Affordable Pasta Fagioli Recipe

This hearty and comforting pasta fagioli is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal without breaking the bank. Packed with beans, pasta, and flavorful veggies, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a classic Italian soup at home.

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TIME1 hr

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

5 ½ cups water 1 pound ditalini pasta 4 (4 ounce) cans tomato sauce (such as Hunt's®) 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans 1 (15 ounce) can black-eyed peas 1 ½ cups frozen green peas 1 (15.25 ounce) can whole kernel corn 1 large potato, diced 2 carrots, diced 1 onion, diced 1 small head of garlic, peeled and minced 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley, or to taste 1 pinch Italian seasoning 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the ditalini pasta and cook it for about 12 minutes, giving it a stir now and then so it doesn’t stick. While the pasta is cooking, gather your tomato sauce, beans, peas, veggies, and seasonings. Drain the pasta and add it back into the pot along with the tomato sauce, cannellini beans, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, frozen green peas, corn, diced potato, carrots, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir and bring the soup back up to a boil. Then turn the heat down low and let it simmer gently for 30 to 45 minutes so all those flavors can really come together. When you’re ready to serve, drizzle a little olive oil on top and sprinkle with some Parmesan cheese for that perfect finishing touch.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use canned beans to save time, but rinse them well to reduce sodium.
- Cook the pasta separately and add it at the end to avoid it becoming mushy.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Why you’ll love it

This dish is warm, comforting, and packed with wholesome ingredients. It combines simple pantry staples like beans and pasta to create a hearty meal that won’t break the bank. Plus, it’s easy to customize with whatever vegetables or spices you have on hand.

Serving ideas

Serve this meal with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of good olive oil. A side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad pairs nicely to complete the meal. It also tastes great reheated the next day.

Storage & leftovers

Let the dish cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.