Classic Italian Comfort Soup

Pasta Fagioli is one of those classic Italian soups that never goes out of style. Hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Pasta Fagioli recipe is made with tender pasta, creamy white beans, and a rich tomato-based broth. While it’s often served as an appetizer, I firmly believe this version qualifies as a full, satisfying meal.

This easy homemade Pasta Fagioli is loaded with protein thanks to the optional ground pork and beans, making it both cozy and nourishing. Whether you’re cooking in a traditional kitchen or a van test kitchen, this soup delivers big flavor with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Perfect for cold nights, meal prep, or when you’re craving a bowl of true comfort food, this Pasta Fagioli recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

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Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil, divided
4 roma or plum tomatoes
1/2 lb ground pork
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 celery stalks, diced
3 carrots, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 8 oz cans tomato sauce
2 cups chicken stock (low sodium)
1 cup water
1.5 tsp white sugar
1.5 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 pound Ditalini pasta
1 can Northern White beans, drained

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp finely chopped parsely for garnish (optional)
Grated fresh parm for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Roast the tomatoes:

Heat grill (or oven) to 400 degrees. Coat tomatoes in 1 tsp oil and roast, turning frequently, for 8 minutes. You’ll want them to be blistered and slightly charred. Once cooled, dice them. If you don’t have the desire or equipment to roast them, skip this step. No one will judge you.

Add 1 tbsp of oil to a dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add pork and brown it, breaking it up as you go. Season with salt and pepper and remove to a plate.

Reduce heat to medium. Add a touch more olive oil if needed, and add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, about 6 minutes, until soft. Add the garlic, and cook one more minute.

Add the stock, water, tomato sauce, tomatoes, sugar, and spices. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste.

In the meantime, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. In the van, I do this ahead of time since I only have one big pot. Drain the pasta and add to the soup. Add the beans and the browned pork. Cook another minute, just to warm everything up.

If necessary, add more water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Serve with chopped parsley and grated parm, if desired.