Pasta e Fagioli, the traditional Italian pasta and bean soup now as a gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-free recipe! This easy and inexpensive soup is humble with ingredients but full of flavor! Quick to make for a light weeknight meal or simple lunch option that the kids will love too!
This soup! My absolute favorite soup as a kid, pre-celiac diagnosis. In our household, we called it “The Bean Soup” and it solely came from The Kitchen’s of Progresso and their lovingly canned heat-and-eat blue labeled “Macaroni & Bean Soup“. This canned version of Pasta e Fagioli could give any Italian grandmother a run for her money. My mom would heat up a can on the stove and fill up a soup thermos to pack for our school lunches. One of the best (besides whole wheat pbj) lunches to find packed in our bags! So deliciously “soul-satisfying” with it’s gluten-free, dairy, egg, soy, and processed soup sodium levels…it was perfect.
What is Pasta e Fagioli?
A traditional Italian soup recipe, Pasta e Fagioli literally means “pasta and beans”! You may see it named “Pasta Fasul or Fazool” as well. It is a cozy, warming, inexpensive soup of small pasta (ditalini or small elbow noodles), white beans (cannellini beans or Great Northern white beans), garlic, onion, some celery and sometimes carrots, in a tomato broth. It was considered “peasent” food for its cheap ingredients and simplicity, but yields a delicious, well-rounded, nutritious meal! Some later variations include Italian Sausage and/or finished with some parmesan cheese.
How to pronounce “Pasta e Fagioli”
It’s pronounced “pah-sta eh fazh-e-ohl-eh”, with the first i in “fagioli” rolling into the o. Looks like a bad word, and that’s probably why Americans made the version “Pasta Fazool”.
What’s the difference between Minestrone and Pasta e Fagioli?
Minestrone = tons of vegetables, Pasta e Fagioli = pasta and bean dominant. Both Italian soups are made with a tomato broth, but think of our “Fagioli” as the poorer version of a robust, veggie-packed Minestrone. The flavors are a bit different too. Pasta Fazool, is much more herby and can include rosemary, basil, parsley, and/or oregano, plus more garlic and onion.
How to make Gluten-Free Pasta e Fagioli
Luckily, with authentic pasta e fagioli, the only ingredient that needs a swap is the pasta. Unlike the crazy ingredient profile in Progresso’s (delicious) version. When I spotted THIS gluten-free ditalini pasta (that actually comes from Italy, the Italian brand Le Veneziane), I KNEW this soup had to happen. It literally is the perfect pasta and looks like the “macaroni” that Progresso claims to use. Progresso’s version only included celery and onion as the vegetables, so that’s what I did as well (I left out the carrot…I think it would ruin the soup).
Ingredients for Pasta e Fagioli:
- Olive Oil
- Celery
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato Sauce
- Vegetable Broth
- Cannellini Beans
- Gluten-Free Ditalini
- Parsley, Basil, Black Pepper
- Nutritional Yeast
All you need to do to make this simple pot of soup is saute the celery, onion, and garlic, add the sauce, broth, beans, and seasonings. Bring it to a boil, add the pasta, and let things cook for about 8 minutes until the pasta softens. If you plan on making this soup ahead of time, I suggest cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual bowls when serving (a’la, no mush).
What to serve with Pasta e Fagioli:
- A simple salad
- Roasted or steamed veggies
- Gluten-Free Garlic bread
- Rustic Rosemary Buns
- Italian Crackers
A healthy Italian soup recipe
Healthy, hearty, with a big dose of comfort! I may go so far as to say all Italian food seems to fall in the “comfort food” category. Italian food IS comfort food; is there a cuisine with more comfort food associated recipes? Some meals can be indulgent, others can be lighter, like this soup! Italian food isn’t always associated with being allergy-friendly, gluten-free, or vegan, but lucky for you, I’ve got your back!
This soup is:
- Gluten-Free
- Vegan
- Allergy-free (Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free, Peanut-Free, Wheat-Free, Sesame-Free, Coconut-Free)
- Kid-Friendly
- Sugar-Free
- Plant-Based Goodness
- Easy, Quick, One-Pot, Freezer-Friendly
Gluten-Free Pasta e Fagioli
Gluten-Free Pasta e Fagioli (Vegan, Allergy-Free)
Pasta e Fagioli, the traditional Italian pasta and bean soup now as a gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-free recipe! This easy and inexpensive soup is humble with ingredients but full of flavor! Quick to make for a light weeknight meal or simple lunch option that the kids will love too!
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Soup, Main
- Method: Boil
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 TB Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Cup Chopped Celery
- 1/2 Cup Diced Onion
- 1 Tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 15 oz Can of Plain Unsalted Tomato Sauce
- 4 Cups Vegetable Broth
- 1 15 oz Can of Cannellini Beans
- 1 Cup Uncooked Gluten-Free Ditalini
- 1 TB Nutritional Yeast (optional)
- 1 Tsp Dried Parsley
- 1 Tsp Dried Basil
- 1/2 Tsp Black Pepper
- 1 Spring of Rosemary (optional)
- Fresh Parsley (to top)
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and add the celery, onion, and garlic. Saute to about 5 minutes to soften.
- Add the tomato sauce, broth, beans, seasonings, and bring the soup to a boil.
- Add the 1 cup of uncooked pasta, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook the soup for about 8 more minutes until the pasta has softened.
- Remove the rosemary sprig if you used it. Serve the soup in bowls with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
*You can use any small gluten-free pasta you’d like. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Storing:
**If you’d like to make this soup ahead of time, allow it to cool compeltely and freeze or cook the soup, minus the pasta to store in the fridge for 4-5 days and cook the pasta seperatly, when you’re ready to consume.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
Keywords: Italian soup, easy soup, one-pot soup, healthy soup, pasta fazool, pasta fasul, pasta and bean soup, macaroni and bean soup, beans, pasta, tomato soup, easy, quick, healthy, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, allergy-free, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, nut-free, peanut-free, coconut-free, sesame-free, sugar-free, kid-friendly
Coming from a girl who “hates” soup, I can tell you, all my anti-soup friends, that this one…is a winner. You’ll probably what to double, even triple, this recipe! It’s a small batch 1-pot soup and makes 4 large servings, 6 small, but this soup would be great for a lazy Sunday or to make-ahead and have ready for the week! I told you it was ideal for those school lunches!
More easy soup recipes:
- Vegan + Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup
- Tummy Healing Soup For One
- Comforting Veggie Bean Chili
- Smokey Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup
- Easy Gluten-Free Vegan Matzo Ball Soup
So tell me:
+ Who else was/is a canned soup fan?
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Jennifer Maune
Oh my gosh, this looks so delicious! Perfect comfort food for the cooler fall temperatures!
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It sure is!
Sam
O This is my favorite soup!
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Awesome!
Leslie
Rebecca, I’m a big soup lover and I also loved that Progresso soup, but your gluten free version looks every bit as good! How lucky am I to have a local gluten free bakery that carries Veneziane pasta! One of the few gluten free soup pastas out there!
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I’ve seen this brand many places, but this shape, specifically in Wegmans.
Harini
I love a classic and comforting soup like this!
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Woohoo, enjoy!
Toni
Looks like we have a new favorite for weeknights!
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hope so!
caren
I’m a HUGE fan of pasta e fagioli! I haven’t had it for years. Forgot all about it, in fact! Thanks for the reminder.
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hope you make some soon then!
Rimmy
My mother-in-law is diabetic and she desperately needs gluten-free meals. Thank you for sharing the recipe, I’ll cook this for her tonight.
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hope it goes well.
Whits
Thank Rebecca, This recipe was not only tasty but easy!
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Great to hear!
Kimberly
This sounds delicious. I definitely need to make this next time my friend comes over!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I’m sure they’ll enjoy.
Chelsea Pearl
Yum! This soup reminds me of my childhood a lot too. Definitely need to make some this fall!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
How so?
Sharon
There’s nothing like a delicious bowl of soup in the Fall. This pasta e fagioli looks so good!
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you, Sharon.
roxy
Oh yum! The timing on this post is perfect — as Fall hits we love comfort foods like soup but are always reaching for the healthiest version. I could see this being an amazing camping dish!! I Pinned the recipe so I can try it out soon.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Let me know how that goes for you.
Indya | The Small Adventurer
This recipes sounds right up my alley! I LOVE both pasta *and* soup, and I often have a lot of soups with beans in them as they’re so good for you! Might have to whip this up next time there’s a cold night that needs warming up 😋
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
So quick and easy when the craving hits!
Christa
I ate pasta e fagioli so much as a kid! It’s such a great comfort dish for fall.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
There’s just nothing not to love about it!
Liren Baker
This soup is just what I want right now! Sounds so delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Enjoy!
Dorothy Reinhold
As soon as the temps get a little cooler I want soup! This looks hearty and delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Perfect soup for a chilly week night!
Debbie
First time I am hearing about this soup but it looks delicious
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hope you give it a try!
Morgan @ Baby Got Balance
Yes to this! I love ALLLLL the soup in the fall so I’ll be making this soon!
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
So glad you do! (I actually am not a soup fan…obviously, I USED to be but…haha!)
Jordan | Read. Eat. Repeat.
This looks so hearty and flavorful! Looks like something my family would love.
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
So quick and easy to whip up!
Kassi
This looks so tasty! I’ve been looking for a new soup to try and this might just be it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You’re all set for Fall!
cait
oh this looks super yummy and def love that its gluten free bc a few friends are looking for these recipes! yay!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
One of the best soups!
Amber
Yum. This looks and sounds really tasty! It has been a long time since I have had some pasta e fagioli and now I am craving it 🙂
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The classics never die!
Jimmy
Its making me hungry right now. It looks soo delicous.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Glad you think so!
Sam
wow, it looks so tasty and comfy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!