Pasta e fa*gioli - The Salty Marshmallow (2024)

Pasta e fa*gioli is the easiest bean and pasta soup recipe to make at home in only one pot! Full of bacon, ground beef, veggies, and short cut pasta this savory soup is a family favorite!

Pasta e fa*gioli:

Another very popular Olive Garden copycat soup you can make easy at home! So far we have also done our version of Chicken Gnocchi Soup as well as our Zuppa Toscana, and of course Minestrone will be coming soon! For those wondering, this is very different from minestrone although they seem similar. This one has meat (I use bacon and beef), beans, pasta, and simple veggies like carrot and onion. Ditalini is the pasta traditionally used here, but any small pasta will work if you can’t find it. We love this cold weather soup so much, especially when I want something hearty but not cream based! Serve it up with some homemade Garlic Bread and you are set! This one can be made on the stove or in your Instant Pot.

How Long is Pasta e fa*gioli Good For?

Once cooked, this soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can keep it (cooled) and in a large airtight container, or use a large zip top baggie to save yourself some room! Keep in mind that the longer the soup sits, the pasta will continue to absorb some more liquid. So, your soup may get a little bit thicker over time. You can reheat this for a minute or two in the microwave or just gently reheat it on low on the stove top in a saucepan.

Can I Freeze This Soup:

You can! But, you need to leave the pasta out to freeze. Simply make the soup as directed, but don’t add the pasta. Once it’s cooled down, add to a freezer safe container and freeze up to 3 months. I let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. When you reheat and the soup is at a simmer, add in your pasta and cook as directed until the pasta is soft.

A Few Recipe Notes, Tips & Substitutions:

• I like to use a combo of bacon and beef, but you can use one or the other if you don’t want both. You could also sub the beef for Italian sausage, ground turkey, or ground chicken. If you want a meatless soup, just skip the meat step and start with your veggies.
• I used a combination of (drained and rinsed) kidney and great northern beans in this recipe. You can use one or the other, or just only use one can of beans if you like less.
• Ditalini pasta is the usual here and it’s what I used. But, you can definitely use any short cut pasta shape too! Macaroni, small shells, orzo, or even rotini would work! I’m a big fan of using what you have on hand.
• I used fire roasted canned diced tomatoes because I love that extra bit of flavor. Any type of diced canned tomatoes are fine, the kind with garlic and basil are really good too!

Enjoy!

~Nichole