Pasta Fagioli Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pasta Fagioli Soup is a hearty, comforting Italian classic packed with turkey sausage, white beans, pasta, and fresh spinach in a rich tomato broth. It’s a one-pot meal that’s quick, flavorful, and satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights or chilly days. With simple ingredients and loads of flavor, this soup is easy to customize and even better the next day.

Ingredients

• 1 pound turkey sausage (or sweet Italian sausage)

• 1 tablespoon canola oil (or olive oil)

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 can (15 ounces) great northern beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

• 3 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup water (or more chicken broth)

• 1/2 cup elbow macaroni (or ditalini)

• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

• 1 cup fresh spinach

• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook turkey sausage until no longer pink. Drain and set aside.

2. In the same pan, sauté onion in oil until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Stir in beans, tomatoes, broth, water, macaroni, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

4. Cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, until pasta is tender.

5. Reduce heat to low, stir in sausage and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts, 2-3 minutes.

6. Garnish with grated Parmesan and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 5

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.

• Extra Veggies: Add zucchini, cabbage, or kale.

• Herb Boost: Try fresh basil, rosemary, or thyme.

• Meatless Option: Omit sausage and add more beans and veggies.

Storage/Reheating

Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. For best results, cook pasta separately and combine before serving. To freeze, exclude pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating. Freeze up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, ditalini, shells, or small macaroni all work well.

Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?

Yes, omit sausage and use vegetable broth and extra beans or veggies.

Can I cook the pasta separately?

Yes, this prevents the pasta from soaking up all the broth in leftovers.

Can I use canned beans?

Yes, canned great northern or cannellini beans work great—just rinse before using.

Is turkey sausage necessary?

No, feel free to use pork sausage, pancetta, or skip the meat entirely.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown sausage and sauté aromatics first, then cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! It’s perfect for batch cooking or freezing.

What’s the best broth to use?

Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended for better control of salt levels.

How do I thicken the soup?

Use slightly less broth or mash some of the beans before adding.

What can I serve with pasta fagioli?

Crusty bread or a simple green salad makes a great pairing.

Conclusion

Pasta Fagioli Soup is a soul-warming, satisfying dish that combines the wholesomeness of beans and pasta with the rich flavor of sausage and aromatics. It’s fast, easy, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying cozy leftovers. Try this recipe once, and it just might become a go-to comfort food in your kitchen.