Hearty & Easy Pasta Fagioli with Italian Sausage: Your Ultimate Comfort Soup Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup to chase away the chill or simply bring a family together. This hearty Easy Pasta Fagioli with Italian Sausage recipe is a true standout, brimming with the robust flavors of savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, tender beans, and pasta, all simmered in a rich, tomato-based broth. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl – incredibly satisfying, budget-friendly, and often tastes even better the next day. Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation!
This comfort food recipe holds a special place in our family’s heart. We affectionately call it “Christmas soup” because, for many years, my mom would prepare a massive pot of it the night before our Christmas celebrations. We’d gather around, enjoy bowls of this delightful soup, and play board games late into the evening. It’s a tradition that’s created countless cherished memories, and the taste of this soup instantly transports me back to those festive, cozy nights.
Beyond the wonderful nostalgia, I adore Pasta Fagioli soup because it’s incredibly flavorful and so easy to make! The combination of classic soup ingredients lays a robust foundation, allowing the other components to truly shine. Unlike some chain restaurant versions, this homemade Pasta Fagioli recipe brings the authentic, comforting essence of Italy – with delicious pasta, vibrant tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cheese – right into your kitchen. The addition of hearty beans and savory sausage elevates it to a complete, fulfilling meal, while the aromatic Italian seasoning infuses the tomato base with an irresistible depth.
Sitting comfortably between my beloved Tortellini Soup and Pepperoni Pizza Soups in terms of ultimate comfort, this Italian soup recipe is incredibly versatile. I opted for Italian sausage here because its rich, seasoned flavor truly enhances the overall profile of the soup, providing a wonderful depth. However, don’t hesitate to customize it! You could easily substitute the Italian sausage with ground beef, ground turkey, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative if you prefer. This is your soup, so make it exactly how you and your family love it!
With its simple, readily available ingredients and a straightforward stovetop cooking process, this Easy Pasta Fagioli is a fantastic meal to serve fresh. What’s even better is that the flavors deepen and meld beautifully overnight, making it an ideal candidate for meal prep or enjoying as delicious leftovers the next day. It truly is a fuss-free and satisfying recipe that yields incredible results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Pasta Fagioli Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this homemade Pasta Fagioli with sausage. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection:
- Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of savory Italian sausage, a vibrant tomato base, aromatic herbs, and hearty beans creates an incredibly rich and complex flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting.
- Effortlessly Simple: Don’t let the delicious result fool you; this soup is surprisingly easy to make. With clear steps and common ingredients, even novice cooks can achieve fantastic results.
- Incredibly Versatile: This recipe is a playground for customization. Swap out the sausage for other ground meats, experiment with different types of pasta, or mix and match your favorite beans. It’s adaptable to what you have on hand or what you prefer.
- Budget-Friendly Goodness: Built on pantry staples like beans, pasta, and canned tomatoes, this soup offers a substantial, satisfying meal without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or stretching your grocery budget.
- Better the Next Day: Like many great soups and stews, the flavors in Pasta Fagioli continue to develop as it sits. This makes it an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeknights or for enjoying flavorful leftovers.
More Hearty & Easy Soup Recipes to Explore!
If you’re a fan of comforting, wholesome soups, you’ll definitely want to try these other family favorites. They are perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a bowl of deliciousness:
- Instant Pot Beef Stew: A quick and tender classic, packed with rich flavors.
- Hamburger Macaroni Soup: A nostalgic, hearty soup that tastes just like mom used to make.
- 4 Ingredient Potato Soup: Amazingly simple yet wonderfully creamy and satisfying.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Pasta Fagioli
In my humble opinion, no soup meal is truly complete without a generous side of fresh, crusty bread. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that flavorful broth! This Pasta Fagioli is even more delightful when paired with quick and easy options like Sundried Tomato and Parmesan Beer Bread or our simple Easy Pull Apart Garlic Rolls. Both complement the robust flavors of the soup beautifully.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous and want to elevate your meal even further, I highly recommend trying our to-die-for Garlic Cheese Focaccia Bread! Fair warning: if you make it once, you’ll likely be completely hooked. Its fluffy texture and savory cheese-garlic topping are an absolute dream alongside this hearty soup. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette would also make a refreshing addition to balance the richness of the Pasta Fagioli.
What Do I Need To Make Easy Pasta Fagioli with Sausage?
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious soup. You’ll find most of these are pantry staples or easily accessible at any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of this comforting Pasta Fagioli:
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti or marinara sauce
- 1 quart beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper–to taste
- 1 cup dry ditalini pasta
- 1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- Finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese –to serve
Step by Step Instructions: Crafting Your Delicious Pasta Fagioli
Follow these straightforward steps to create a hearty and flavorful pot of Easy Pasta Fagioli with Sausage. Each stage is designed to build layers of flavor, ensuring a truly delicious result.
Step 1: Begin by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add your mild Italian sausage, using a spoon or spatula to break it up into small crumbles as it browns. Cook until the sausage is fully browned and no longer pink. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor. Once cooked, carefully drain off any excess fat from the pot and set the browned sausage aside in a bowl.
Step 2: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same stockpot. Introduce the chopped yellow onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these vegetables, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the carrots and celery begin to soften, which typically takes about 5-6 minutes. This aromatic base, often called a mirepoix, is essential for building the soup’s foundational flavor. Add the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 3: Return the browned Italian sausage to the pot with the softened vegetables. Pour in the spaghetti or marinara sauce, beef broth, and the can of diced tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning, basil, crushed red pepper flakes (for a subtle kick), and black pepper. Bring the entire mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. Allow the soup to cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have beautifully melded together. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 4: While your soup is simmering and developing its flavors, prepare the ditalini pasta. Cook it separately in a different pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions. It’s important to cook it to an al dente finish, meaning it should be firm to the bite. Cooking the pasta separately helps prevent it from becoming mushy in the soup and allows for better texture, especially if you plan to enjoy leftovers.
Step 5: Once the ditalini pasta is cooked al dente, drain it thoroughly. Add the cooked pasta to the simmering soup, along with the drained and rinsed dark red kidney beans and great northern beans. Stir all the ingredients together gently to combine. Allow the soup to cook for just a few minutes longer, letting the pasta and beans warm through and absorb some of the broth’s flavors. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add a little water or extra broth at this stage until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serve your steaming hot Pasta Fagioli with Italian Sausage in individual bowls. For the perfect finishing touch, generously sprinkle with freshly grated Romano or Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Italian classic!
Tips for the Best Homemade Pasta Fagioli
Making a truly great bowl of Pasta Fagioli is simple, but a few tips can elevate your soup from good to extraordinary:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: This is crucial for avoiding a mushy soup. Cook your ditalini (or chosen pasta) separately to a firm al dente, and only add it to the soup right before serving. If you plan for leftovers, it’s best to store cooked pasta separately and add it to individual bowls as you reheat the soup.
- Layer Your Flavors: Take your time browning the sausage and sautéing the “holy trinity” of onion, carrots, and celery. These initial steps are the foundation of your soup’s rich flavor.
- Adjust Spices to Your Liking: The recipe calls for mild Italian sausage and a touch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer more heat, opt for hot Italian sausage or increase the amount of red pepper flakes. For a milder soup, omit them entirely.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or even a dash of extra Italian seasoning to suit your preference.
- For a Thicker Consistency: If you like a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before adding the pasta. This releases starches and naturally thickens the broth.
- Add Fresh Greens: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last few minutes of simmering for added nutrition and a pop of color.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
One of the best things about this Easy Pasta Fagioli with Sausage is how well it stores and often improves in flavor overnight. Here’s how to keep your leftovers fresh and delicious:
- Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, especially if you cooked the pasta directly in the soup, the pasta might absorb a lot of the broth and become very soft. If you want to avoid this, consider storing the cooked ditalini separately and adding it to individual servings when reheating.
- Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. If freezing, it’s highly recommended to cook and add the pasta *after* thawing and reheating, to maintain its texture.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop: Transfer the desired amount of soup to a pot and reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much.
- Microwave: Place a single serving in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stir, then continue heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
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Easy Pasta Fagioli with Sausage
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Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 24 ounce jar spaghetti or marinara sauce
- 1 quart beef broth
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup dry ditalini pasta
- 1 15 oz can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15 oz can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- Finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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In a large stock pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking up the sausage into crumbles as browns. Once browned, drain off the fat and then set the meat aside.
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Add another tablespoon of oil to the pot and add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until the onions are translucent and the veggies begin to soften, about 5-6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook a minute longer.
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Next add the sausage back to the pan, along with the spaghetti sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes and spices. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to low, cover and simmer until the veggies have softened, approximately 15-20 minutes.
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Meanwhile, cook the ditalini pasta according to the package directions for an al dente finish.
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Drain the pasta and add it to the soup along with the beans. Allow the soup to cook a few minutes longer, thinning with water if desired.
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Serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese on top and enjoy!
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