Pasta Fagioli might just be the coziest Italian soup you’ll ever try, but don’t let its simplicity fool you.
This recipe brings together creamy beans, al dente pasta, and a fragrant broth loaded with vegetables.
One thing I always do is sauté the vegetables slowly to build depth—it’s worth the extra few minutes.
I also recommend cooking the pasta separately if you plan on having leftovers, so it doesn’t soak up all the liquid.
Top it off with freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil!
How to Make Giada’s Pasta e Fagioli
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 1 cup Onion (diced)
- 2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 3 Carrots (peeled and diced)
- 2 Celery Stalks (diced)
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz.)
- 1 Parmesan Rind
- 1 can Cannellini Beans (15 oz. drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup Small Pasta
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 3 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Rosemary (chopped)
- 1 Bay Leaf
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Heat olive oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook until the onion is translucent.
Step 2:
Introduce the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, rosemary, bay leaf, and Parmesan rind.
Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
Step 3:
Add the cannellini beans and pasta to the saucepan.
Cook the mixture until the pasta is slightly tender, usually about 10 minutes.
Step 4:
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 5:
Remove the Parmesan rind and bay leaf.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Using Fresh Herbs
Using fresh herbs like rosemary adds aroma and flavor, making a noticeable difference in the soup’s taste.
Selecting the Right Pasta
Choose a small pasta, such as ditalini or small shells, to enhance the texture without overpowering the soup.
Savoring the Parmesan Rind
Don’t skip adding the Parmesan rind as it infuses a umami flavor throughout the soup.
Adjusting for Saltiness
Check the soup’s seasoning with a taste test as the broth and Parmesan rind can contribute saltiness.
Incorporating Vegetables
Feel free to add extra vegetables such as zucchini or spinach for a more hearty and nutritious meal.
What to Serve with Giada Pasta Fagioli
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a classic side that goes incredibly well with Giada Pasta Fagioli.
The rich, buttery texture with a hint of garlic complements the hearty flavors of the soup perfectly.
Pop some garlic-topped baguettes in the oven while your soup simmers; they’ll be ready just in time.
Caesar Salad
If you love having a bit of crunch with your meal, a Caesar salad is a fantastic choice.
The fresh romaine, crunchy croutons, and tangy dressing add a refreshing element to your dining experience.
It balances the warmth and richness of the soup with a little crispness.
Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it’s surprisingly a great match.
The protein adds substance to the meal, making it even more satisfying.
Plus, the smoky flavors from grilling enhance the spices in the Pasta Fagioli.
Avocado Fries
For something exciting and different, try avocado fries as a side dish.
They’re crispy on the outside and creamy within, providing a unique texture alongside your soup.
Trust me, these will have everyone asking for extras!
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables offer a colorful and nutritious side option.
You can roast carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for an earthy, caramelized flavor.
They fit well with Pasta Fagioli and make your plate look as good as it tastes.
Variations and Substitutions
Broth Options
You might want to switch up the broth!
Vegetable broth works great for a lighter flavor, or use chicken broth for something richer.
For those who enjoy a heartier taste, beef broth is worth trying.
Bean Choices
Cannellini beans are classic, but there are other tasty options.
You can use borlotti beans or even chickpeas for a different texture.
Mix different types of beans to add unique flavors and textures to your dish.
Pasta Alternatives
While ditalini is popular, you have choices here as well!
Small shell pasta or elbow macaroni make excellent substitutes.
You can also try using orzo if you’re feeling adventurous!
Herb Mixes
Creating your own herb blend can significantly change up the flavor.
Using fresh herbs like basil or oregano adds a refreshing element.
You can also go for a spice mix, perhaps adding a touch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
How to Store Leftover Giada Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Airtight Containers
You should store any leftover Giada Pasta Fagioli in airtight containers, which help keep moisture and air out.
These containers will help preserve the soup’s flavors and freshness for a longer time.
I find airtight glass or plastic containers most effective for storing soups and stews.
Refrigeration
Store your containers in the refrigerator, where they will keep well for up to four or five days.
When you open the fridge and see your delicious pasta fagioli, you’ll be glad you saved it.
Always remember to cool your soup to room temperature before refrigerating it to maintain quality.
Portioning
Consider portioning the leftover soup into individual servings before storing.
This makes it super easy to grab a bowl for lunch or dinner without reheating the entire batch!
By dividing it into portions, you can also control the amount you eat in one sitting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Using Enough Water
One common mistake when making pasta e fagioli is using too small a pot and not enough water for the pasta.
You’ve got to give the pasta enough space and water to cook properly without sticking.
That’s important to prevent a gummed-up mess!
Forgetting to Season as You Cook
It’s crucial to season your soup at different stages to build depth of flavor.
If you wait until the end, you might find the seasoning uneven or too intense.
Add salt when you sauté the vegetables, and taste frequently to adjust.
Overcooking the Pasta
Be careful not to overcook the pasta while it’s simmering in the soup.
Aim to cook it just until al dente to maintain its firm texture.
The pasta will continue to soak up the liquid, so err on the side of caution!

Giada Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 1 cup Onion diced
- 2 Garlic Cloves minced
- 3 Carrots peeled and diced
- 2 Celery Stalks diced
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes 14.5 oz.
- 1 Parmesan Rind
- 1 can Cannellini Beans 15 oz. drained and rinsed
- 1 cup Small Pasta
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 3 tablespoons Fresh Parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon Rosemary chopped
- 1 Bay Leaf
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Introduce the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, rosemary, bay leaf, and Parmesan rind.
- Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cannellini beans and pasta to the saucepan.
- Cook the mixture until the pasta is slightly tender, usually about 10 minutes.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Remove the Parmesan rind and bay leaf.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.