Description
A lush and creamy Pasta e Fagioli soup featuring tender fennel, cannellini beans, and ditalini pasta simmered in a savory broth with a hint of rosemary and finished with Parmesan and fresh parsley for an authentic Italian comfort meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium fennel bulb, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids & Broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
Beans & Pasta
- 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup ditalini or small pasta
Seasonings & Extras
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced fennel and onion, sautéing for 6 to 8 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until the garlic releases its aroma.
- Caramelize Tomato Paste and Herbs: Mix in the tomato paste and dried rosemary or thyme, cooking for another minute to caramelize the tomato paste and deepen flavors.
- Add Broth and Beans: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and stir to combine. Add the rinsed cannellini beans and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Pasta: Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta reaches al dente texture.
- Create Creamy Texture: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the milk or half-and-half along with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the soup turns creamy and well combined.
- Finish and Serve: Incorporate the lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the soup warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a richer texture, mash a few beans with the back of a spoon before adding the pasta.
- If the soup thickens as it cools or stands, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it.
- Pancetta can be added during the sauté step for extra depth and flavor.
