This Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Soup is warm and comforting, filled with tasty beans, veggies, and pasta. It’s like a hug in a bowl! Perfect for sharing with friends.
You can whip this up faster than your favorite takeout! I love making a big pot and enjoying the leftovers for lunch. Who doesn’t love a delicious meal that keeps giving? 😊
Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive oil: This is great for sautéing but feel free to use any oil you have, like canola or avocado oil. They will work just fine!
Ground beef or Italian sausage: If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef. For a vegetarian version, consider using lentils or extra beans.
Canned beans: Cannellini and red kidney beans are classic choices, but you can use black beans or chickpeas instead if you prefer! Just rinse them well.
Pasta: Small pasta shapes like ditalini are ideal, but macaroni or even broken pieces of spaghetti will do. Use what you have on hand!
Spinach or kale: Use fresh greens for a vibrant touch, but you can swap in frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it first.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup is Full of Flavor?
Building flavor is key to a tasty soup! Start with sautéing your onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until they’re soft. This mix is called mirepoix, and it’s the flavor base of many soups.
- Cook the veggies: Take your time to soften the onions and carrots; it usually takes about 5 minutes. This brings out their natural sweetness.
- Add garlic last: Add minced garlic just before the meat; this will ensure it doesn’t burn and lose its flavor.
- Simmer: Let the soup simmer for at least 20 minutes. It helps all the ingredients blend together beautifully.
Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning at the end. A little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference!
How to Make Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells)
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Soup will take about 15 minutes to prep and roughly 40-45 minutes to cook. You can expect a wonderful, hearty meal ready to enjoy in just about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Stir frequently as they cook. After about 5 minutes, the vegetables should start to soften and smell delightful!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for an additional 30 seconds, stirring until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the pot. Use a spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. Keep cooking for 7-8 minutes until it’s nicely browned. If there’s extra fat, feel free to drain it off.
4. Mix in the Seasonings:
Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes (if desired), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
5. Add Tomato and Broth:
Add the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice) along with the beef or vegetable broth. Stir to mix, then bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 20 minutes. This helps all the flavors come together beautifully!
6. Include the Beans:
Now, stir in the cannellini and red kidney beans. This adds even more texture and heartiness to your soup!
7. Cook the Pasta:
Add in your small pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, which is usually around 7-9 minutes until it’s al dente.
8. Add Greens:
Just before serving, fold in the chopped spinach or kale. Let it wilt for about 2 minutes; this adds a fresh touch!
9. Finish with Parmesan:
Take your pot off the heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and creamy throughout the soup.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top along with fresh parsley or basil if you like. Serve warm with your favorite crusty bread on the side for a cozy meal!
Now sit back, relax, and enjoy your homemade Copycat Pasta E Fagioli Soup full of hearty flavors and wholesome goodness!
img src=”https://simplytastylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/copycat-pasta-e-fagioli-soup.webp” alt=””>
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef or sausage, making the soup lighter while still being delicious.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply substitute the ground meat with extra beans or lentils, use vegetable broth, and keep the rest of the ingredients as is for a hearty option.
Can I Prepare This Soup in Advance?
Yes! You can make the soup ahead of time. Just cook it, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens up too much.
What If I Don’t Have Spinach or Kale?
No worries! If you don’t have spinach or kale, you can use any seasonal greens, such as Swiss chard or even frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw any frozen greens and drain excess moisture before adding them to the soup.
