If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, hearty soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’re going to love this Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe. It’s one of those meals I keep coming back to when I want something cozy but not complicated. Full of wholesome beans, tender pasta, and the perfect medley of herbs, it’s deceptively simple yet packed with flavor. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through all my best tips so your version turns out just right every time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Creaminess: The combination of cannellini beans and slow-simmered broth creates a naturally creamy texture without heavy cream.
Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples and fresh aromatics means you can have dinner on the table fast, even on busy nights.
Flavor Layers: The blend of Italian herbs, bay leaf, and tomatoes gives the soup that classic, comforting depth of flavor you crave.
Perfect Pasta Timing: Undercooking the pasta so it finishes in the pot ensures it never gets mushy and keeps the soup’s texture just right.

Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup, hearty bean soup recipe, Italian comfort soup, quick pasta fagioli, wholesome soup with beans and pasta - A close-up view of a large spoon filled with small round pasta tubes coated in a smooth, orange-red tomato sauce mixed with small bits of herbs and vegetables, with more pasta in the same sauce filling the background, creating a dense textured look of pasta and sauce blending together, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

I love how the ingredients in this Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe come together to create a harmony of flavors and textures — plus, many are staples you might already have in your pantry. A few shopping tips: grab low-sodium stock so you can control the salt, and opt for fresh garlic and quality olive oil — they truly elevate the dish.

Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup, hearty bean soup recipe, Italian comfort soup, quick pasta fagioli, wholesome soup with beans and pasta - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of diced fresh onion, a small white ceramic bowl of minced garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of quartered fresh carrots, a small white ceramic bowl of rinsed and drained cannellini beans, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth tomato sauce, a single dried bay leaf, small piles of dried basil, dried parsley, dried oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of low sodium vegetable broth, a small white ceramic bowl of clear water, and a small white ceramic bowl of dry ditalini pasta, all ingredients fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and a subtle fruitiness that builds the base flavor during sautéing.
Diced onion: Provides sweetness and depth once softened—don’t rush this step!
Minced garlic: Gives that unmistakable aromatic punch that wakes up the soup.
Quartered carrots: Adds gentle natural sweetness and texture contrast.
Cannellini beans: These creamy white beans blend beautifully into the soup, lending body and protein.
Tomato sauce: Gives the broth a rich, tangy undertone that balances other flavors.
Dried bay leaf: Infuses an earthy, herbal note; just remember to remove before serving.
Italian herbs (basil, parsley, oregano): Classic trio delivering vibrant, savory aromas.
Black pepper & red pepper flakes: Adds mild heat with a layered spice profile.
Low sodium vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid that pulls everything together without overwhelming saltiness.
Water: Balances the broth so it’s not too intense or salty.
Dry ditalini pasta: Tiny pasta shapes that soak up the flavors without overwhelming the soup’s components.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best parts about this Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Over time, I’ve found a few little variations that make it my own—and I encourage you to experiment too, whether you want it spicier, heartier, or vegan-friendly.

Spicy Kick: I sometimes add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a subtle heat that brightens the flavors.
Protein Boost: When I want to make it more filling, I stir in some cooked Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken toward the end.
Vegan Variation: Use vegetable broth and skip any cheese garnishes, or add a drizzle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy umami note.
Seasonal Twist: In the fall, I toss in a handful of chopped kale or spinach for green freshness and extra nutrients.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your diced onions, minced garlic, and quartered carrots. Keep stirring for about 5 minutes until the onions turn translucent and everything smells amazing. This step unlocks the sweet and savory flavors you want as the foundation of your soup, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Next, pour in the rinsed and drained cannellini beans and tomato sauce, then sprinkle in the basil, parsley, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add the dried bay leaf, vegetable broth, and water. Stir everything well to combine and bring the pot to a gentle boil. Keep an eye on it and stir every few minutes so nothing sticks or burns.

Step 3: Pasta Magic — The Undercook

Once the pot reaches a boil, lower the heat to medium and stir in the dry ditalini pasta. Here’s a crucial tip: cook the pasta for only half the time listed on the package. Trust me, undercooking pasta is the secret to avoiding mushy noodles because the pasta will continue cooking in the hot soup even after you turn off the heat.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Before serving, remember to fish out and discard the bay leaf—it’s done its job infusing flavor but isn’t meant to be eaten. Give the soup one last stir and taste for seasoning. Sometimes I’ll add a pinch of salt or a splash of lemon juice to brighten everything up. Ladle into bowls and get ready for that first satisfying spoonful!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Use Food Processor for Veggies: I toss onions, garlic, and carrots in my food processor to chop them quickly and evenly—it saves so much time and ensures consistent cooking.
Rinse Your Canned Beans: Always rinse and drain cannellini beans to reduce sodium and get rid of any liquid that can muddy the soup’s flavor.
Parmesan Rind for Extra Depth: If you want to add next-level umami, toss in a parmesan cheese rind while the soup simmers; just remember to remove it before serving.
Keep an Eye on Pasta Cooking: Don’t skip the undercooking step—overcooked pasta can ruin the texture, so watch your timing closely.

How to Serve Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup, hearty bean soup recipe, Italian comfort soup, quick pasta fagioli, wholesome soup with beans and pasta - A white bowl filled with small tube-shaped pasta in a thick orange tomato broth with visible small white beans and diced orange vegetables. The dish is topped with shredded white cheese and small green herb pieces scattered evenly on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. Sometimes I’ll add a few torn basil leaves or chopped fresh parsley for that pop of color and freshness. Oh, and a crack of black pepper—always!

Side Dishes

Crusty bread is my go-to side. Whether it’s a toasted baguette or a warm sourdough slice, it’s perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. For a light meal, I sometimes pair it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party touch, I’ve served this Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls. It impresses guests and doubles as a tasty edible bowl! Another trick is to layer some of the soup in shallow bowls and then top with fresh herbs and a swirl of pesto for a pop of vibrant flavor and color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover creamy pasta fagioli soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually cool it completely before refrigerating to keep the flavors fresh. Just be aware the pasta will absorb more liquid and thicken the soup.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this soup with pasta already cooked in it because the noodles get mushy upon thawing. Instead, I freeze the broth and beans mixture separately, then cook fresh pasta when you reheat. This way, you keep texture fresh and soup delicious.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick, add some extra broth or water to loosen it up. If you want to freshen up the pasta, add a handful of fresh cooked ditalini just before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

While it’s possible, this recipe truly shines when made on the stovetop. Pasta tends to overcook quickly in slow cookers and Instant Pots, becoming mushy. If you use these methods, cook the pasta separately and add it in at the end for best results.
How can I make this recipe vegan?

Simply use vegetable broth and skip adding Parmesan or any dairy toppings. Nutritional yeast is a great vegan-friendly alternative that adds cheesy flavor without dairy.
What pasta works best in Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe?

Ditalini is traditional because its small tubular shape holds the broth well. However, you can also use small elbow macaroni or miniature shells—just make sure to undercook the pasta, no matter which shape you pick.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! Chopped kale, spinach, zucchini, or even celery can be added to boost flavor and nutrition. Just add leafy greens toward the end of cooking to retain brightness.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe holds a special place in my meal rotation for good reason—it’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug from the inside out, perfect for chilly days or when you just want something cozy without fuss. I hope making it becomes as joyful a ritual for you as it is for me. So gather your ingredients, and let this soup bring a little warmth and comfort to your kitchen!