Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Separately, bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta just until al dente (slightly firm), according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Cooking pasta separately prevents it from becoming mushy in the soup.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Add the cooked pasta to the soup pot just before serving. Stir gently so the pasta absorbs some of the broth but doesn’t overcook. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for the ultimate Italian comfort meal.
Tips for the Best Copycat Pasta Fagioli
- Make it vegetarian – Skip the meat and use vegetable broth for a lighter, plant-based version.
- Meal prep friendly – Keep pasta and soup separate if storing leftovers. This prevents the pasta from soaking up all the liquid.
- Add greens – Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale at the end for extra nutrition.
- Slow cooker method – Brown the beef and sauté vegetables first, then transfer everything (except pasta) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours, and add pasta at the end.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Copycat Pasta Fagioli Soup is a rustic, soul-warming dish that tastes just like the restaurant favorite but with the comfort of your own kitchen. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying on a chilly evening. Once you try it, this recipe is bound to become a family staple you’ll turn to again and again.
Would you like me to also write a slow cooker version of this recipe so you can make it hands-off for busy days?
No Responses Yet