Authentic Pasta e Fagioli takes just 30 minutes and is so easy! Enjoy this vegetarian pasta and beans made as in Naples, with just enough tomato broth. Whether you call it "Pasta Fazool" or "Pasta Fagioli," you must try it!
There are times when only a comforting bowl of Pasta e Fagioli will do.
If you're Italian, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
If you're not Italian, you may be wondering, "What the heck is fagioli?"
Fagioli (pronounced fah-JOH-lee), simply means "beans" in Italian. (Speaking of which, don't miss my Pasta with Chickpeas!)
There are many variations of Pasta e Fagioli, but mine is based on how it's prepared in Naples, where Mom is from.
That means it's:
- Vegetarian - It used to be a peasant dish, so the beans provide the protein. Note, some vegetarians won't eat Parmesan cheese, so you might need to omit that for them.
- One Pot - We use just enough water to cook the pasta and don't drain it. The starchy water is key to achieving a broth consistency.
- A Cross Between Soup and a Pasta Dish - There's just enough tomato broth to coat the pasta. It's similar to this Pasta with Zucchini.
Recipe ingredients
Pasta: I prefer ditalini here, but any small pasta will do. You could make this with shells or orecchiette.
Beans: Cannellini (white kidney beans) are used in traditional Pasta e Fagioli from Naples, but feel free to substitute great northern beans.
Tomato Paste: I used to use a fresh tomato in here, but really prefer using a little tomato paste instead. The tomato paste thickens the broth and provides uniform flavor throughout. But, this is more of a white Pasta e Fagioli instead of the deep red versions you see at American restaurants.
How to make authentic pasta e fagioli
See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for full details, but here's an overview.
- Sauté onions with tomato paste in olive oil in a large pasta pot (affiliate link).
- When the onions are almost tender, stir in the garlic, beans, herbs, salt and pepper.
- After a minute, add five cups of hot water and bring to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
Recipe tips
- Use two tablespoons of tomato paste to thicken the Pasta e Fagioli.
- Store extra tomato paste in the freezer by wrapping a couple spoonfuls at a time in plastic wrap, then placing those little packets in a freezer bag. You'll have the perfect amount ready when you need it.
What to serve with it
This makes a wonderful first dish (primo piatto) before Salmon with Pesto, Broiled Cod or Roasted Pork Loin. Serve it with the Best Green Salad and Homemade Italian Bread for a delicious meal!
Frequently asked questions
Some Italian Americans refer to this dish as "pasta fazool." That's similar to the pronunciation of "pasta e fasule," which is Neapolitan dialect for Pasta e Fagioli.
This is a dish best eaten immediately, because the leftovers will dry out. But, you can store the leftovers for up to four days in the refrigerator. Add a little olive oil to them before reheating.
More recipes like this
- Pasta with Broccoli
- Pasta e Piselli (Pasta with Peas)
- Italian Minestrone Soup (Easy!
- White Bean and Escarole Soup
- Mediterranean Lentil Soup (or Stew)
- Italian Brodo with Meatballs
Enjoy!
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Authentic Pasta e Fagioli (Vegetarian)
Video
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6-8 fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 15 ounce can cannellini or great northern beans (cannellini are white kidney beans)
- 5 cups hot water
- 1 ⅓ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound ditalini pasta (or other small pasta; see notes)
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (can omit if needed)
- red pepper flakes to taste
- extra Parmesan to serve
Instructions
- Peel and chop the onion. Heat olive oil in a large pasta pot on medium high. Add the onions and tomato paste and stir to combine. Cook until onions are tender, stirring as needed, about six minutes. (Lower the heat a bit if the onions are getting too brown.)
- While the onions are cooking, rinse, dry and chop the basil and optional parsley. Use a garlic press to press the garlic or else peel and finely chop it. Drain and rinse the beans. When the onions have another minute to cook, stir in the garlic, herbs, beans, salt and pepper.
- After a minute, add water to the pot, cover it, and put the heat on high. When the pot is boiling, add the pasta.
- Lower the heat to medium high or to a simmering level. (It should not be a rapid boil.) Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally and scraping along the bottom, until the pasta is al dente. (Check it three minutes before the al dente time listed on the package.) Do NOT drain.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan. Taste for seasonings and add a few sprinkles of red pepper flakes as needed.
- Serve immediately with extra cheese at the table. The pasta will absorb the broth quickly. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To heat leftovers, add a bit of olive oil to each serving before warming it up in the microwave.
Notes
Nutrition
(Recipe Source: Adapted from my Mom's recipe, which came from my Nonna. Originally published on October 13, 2014 and updated now with new photos and text.)
Dawn says
I love the recipe, I did use chicken broth instead of water and it was wonderful. I only had a little larger pasta so I added one extra cup of broth and it worked really well. Thanks for a great simple recipe.
Mamma C says
Hi Dawn - I'm glad you loved this! Thanks for letting me know.
Bo says
Love the recipe! Such a delicious way to get more beans in my diet.
I have one question tho. I ate some right after cooking it and it was great, but my husband had it a few hours later and the pasta had absorbed all the sauce. It still tastes good, but we're missing the extra sauce. Any ideas on what to change?
For more info, I used larger pasta for the recipe, and kidney beans instead of white ones.
Mamma C says
Hi Bo - This is a dish that's best eaten immediately, because it will dry out. If you used larger pasta and larger beans, you probably needed more water as well (maybe 1/2 cup). Another option is to add chicken or vegetable stock/broth to the leftovers before reheating them.
Barbara carbin says
Loved the recipe can you make it with ground beef.
Mamma C says
Hi Barbara - I haven't tried it, but you probably could. I'd saute the onions just until tender, add a pound of ground meat and cook it until it's no longer pink, then scoop out some of the excess fat. Then proceed to add the water -- you might need an extra cup. Let me know if you try it.
Ashley V says
My grandma passed away 7 years ago and she used to make this for me. She showed me before, but I couldn’t remember the ratios. I scoured the internet high and low but every recipe had celery or meat, and to me with this less is more. This is so close to how she used to do it. Thank you so much! This made my day
Mamma C says
Hi Ashley - And you made my day! Thank you for letting me know my Pasta e Fagioli is like your grandma's. I agree, less is more here.
Madison G. says
This is how my italian grandmother used to make it!
Mamma C says
Hi Madison - I'm so glad you found this recipe! It's definitely a tradition passed down from generation to generation.
Kathy Cimino says
Loved it! Used chicken broth instead of water. It was wonderful! Thank you!
Mamma C says
Hi Kathy - I'm so glad you loved this! Chicken broth does sound wonderful.
Allison says
Amazing! Followed exact recipe and this was a hit! Had 2 bowls... Shhhh!! 🙂 thank you!
Mamma C says
Hi Allison - I won't tell anyone! I'm so glad you enjoyed the Pasta e Fagioli.
NeeCee Daugherty says
Sounds wonderful.......
Mamma C says
Hi NeeCee - It really is! I hope you try it.
Lesleigh B. says
Made this tonight and loved every bite! Really appreciated the one-pot recipe and so did the hubby (who does the dishes).
Mamma C says
Hi Lesleigh - I'm so happy to hear that! I love this pasta e fagioli too!
Annie @ ciaochowbambina says
Love this! The only thing I crave more than pasta is potato chips 🙂 I love my pasta! I read your Bio page and really enjoyed learning about your journey!! I'll be following along, Mamma C! Ciao!
Mamma C says
Ciao Annie! I'm so glad we've found each other. It made my day. 🙂
Annie @ ciaochowbambina says
Mine too! 🙂