Vegan Pasta e Fagioli
Why this recipe works
- Aromatic depth: Onion, carrot and celery create a savoury base, while garlic, rosemary and bay add gentle herbal depth.
- Naturally creamy body: Cannellini beans enrich the broth as they simmer, giving the soup substance without dairy.
- One-pot efficiency: The pasta cooks directly in the broth, thickening the soup slightly and keeping the method simple.
- Bright finish: A squeeze of lemon lifts the tomato and bean base, balancing the richness of the olive oil.
Get the most out of this recipe
Make-ahead tips
- Add pasta later if possible: For the best texture, make the soup base ahead and cook the pasta in it just before serving.
- Loosen when reheating: The pasta will continue to absorb liquid in the fridge, so add a splash of water when reheating gently.
- Best texture on the day: Once the pasta is added, the soup is at its best soon after cooking, while the shells are still tender but not soft.
Texture tips
- For a creamier soup: Mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before adding the pasta to give the broth more body.
- For a looser broth: If the soup thickens too much, add a little water and bring it back to a gentle simmer.
- Protect the pasta texture: Keep the simmer gentle once the pasta goes in and stir occasionally so the shells cook evenly without catching.
Ingredient notes
- Cannellini beans: Cannellini beans work well because they are mild, creamy and hold their shape while still enriching the broth.
- Rosemary options: Fresh rosemary gives a cleaner herbal note, but dried rosemary can be used if added early with the bay leaves.
- Finishing acidity: Lemon juice brightens the soup at the end; apple cider vinegar can give a similar lift if lemon is unavailable.
Authenticity notes
- Home-style flexibility: Pasta e fagioli varies widely from brothy to thick and stew-like, so the final consistency can be adjusted to taste.
- Pasta shape: Small pasta shapes such as ditalini are commonly used, though shells also work well because they catch the beans and broth.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Finely chop the onion, carrot and celery. Warm the olive oil in a large pot over a medium heat.
- Add the chopped vegetables with the fine sea salt and black pepper. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until softened and lightly glossy.
- Crush or finely chop the garlic, then stir it in for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the rosemary sprig and bay leaves.
- Tip in the canned chopped tomatoes and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring to scrape up any flavour from the base of the pot. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the cannellini beans and simmer for 10 minutes so the broth turns richer. Taste and adjust seasoning with a little more fine sea salt and black pepper if needed.
- Stir in the pasta shells and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of water and return to a simmer.
- Remove the rosemary sprig and bay leaves. Squeeze in lemon juice to taste, then ladle into bowls and finish with a final drizzle of olive oil.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For a thicker, creamier soup, mash a ladleful of the beans against the side of the pot before adding the pasta.
- Keep the simmer gentle once the pasta goes in, and stir now and then so the shells do not catch on the bottom.
- If serving later, cook the pasta shells until just shy of tender so they do not go too soft as the soup sits.
Substitutions
- Replace pasta shells with ditalini for a more traditional pasta e fagioli texture.
- Replace fresh rosemary with 0.5 tsp dried rosemary, added with the bay leaves.
- Replace lemon with 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar for a similar bright finish.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over a low to medium heat until piping hot, adding a splash of water if it has thickened.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 bowls
- Total time: 45min (18min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Italian
-
Allergens:
Gluten Wheat
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