Instant Pot Pasta e Fagioli.
Turning a slow cooked classic into a weeknight dinner for the family with this Instant Pot Pasta e Fagioli. A mix of wintry vegetables, tomatoes, parmesan, herbs, pasta, and beans, all simmered together in the instant pot to create a healthy and warming bowl of soup. Serve with a good crusty bread and extra parmesan. Delicious.
This has certainly been the year of soup, and I’ve loved every last bowl. A few years ago the only soups on my radar were classic chicken noodle, ramen, and broccoli cheddar. And I never swayed far from these classics. I still love these soups, but there’s always room for trying something new. And this has been that year, so many new soup recipes on HBH.
I’ve shared fresh takes on the classic chicken noodle. a creamy coconut lentil soup, and an extra cozy French shallot soup (my favorite). All have been so good!
And today? Today it’s all about the classic Italian soup, Pasta e Fagioli, which means pasta and beans. I’ve recently been seeing Pasta e Fagioli everywhere, from restaurant menus, to Instagram, to Pinterest. It’s seems to be the trending soup. I get it, it’s delicious! Full of vegetables, pasta, and topped with parmesan, nothing here not to love.
I knew I really wanted to share some simple, warming, but also semi healthy, recipes with you guys this week. Recipes that would be perfect to serve up one of these nights before the the Christmas festivities begin. So I decided I’d make Pasta e Fagioli. But instead of making it the traditional way, I’d speed the process up in the Instant Pot.
PS. I have an Instant Pot giveaway happening on Instagram right now.
The key to a really good Pasta e Fagioli is all in the vegetable base, or sofrito as it’s more professionally referred to. The sofrito is cooked down to create a flavorful soup. I used a mix of onions, carrots, and garlic, but you could also include celery for additional flavor.
In addition to the veggies, I flavored my soup with a little bacon. It’s traditional to use a ham hock, but I don’t normally just have a ham hock lying around. Thankfully, a little chopped bacon does the trick and adds the perfect amount of rich flavor. Of course, if you’d like to keep this recipe vegetarian, that’s totally fine too! I would recommend sautéing some mushrooms to add a touch more flavor.
Once you’ve cooked the bacon and the vegetables, you’ll add some canned tomatoes, lots of winter greens, herbs, spices, a parmesan rind (very important), and a little broth. Seal the instant pot and cook for 10 minutes. Release the steam, add some pasta and beans and you’re done.
So simple.
Now, because I know some of you may ask, I do prefer to cook my pasta separately. I know it’s an extra step, but I always find cooking the pasta inside the instant pot to be a bit more of a pain. Plus it’s so easy to boil up pasta on the stove.
Also, the parmesan rind. This is very important, I’ve mentioned this before, but a parmesan rind (the end piece to a wedge of parmesan) can add so much flavor to sauces and soups. I always save mine and throw them in the freezer to use as needed. It’s a great and simple way to add a lot of flavor. Especially if you’re omitting the bacon from the recipe.
Perfect to make and enjoy during these days leading up to Christmas, when you need a good meal, but you need something simple, quick, and healthy too. I know a lot of you may have family home for Christmas, or may just need something easy for dinner. Over here we’re slowly welcoming home family members by the day. So recipes like this soup are a go-to for me, both this week and next.
Major bonus? Almost all of these ingredients are pantry staples that I usually have on hand at all times. You see? This soup is truly a life saver during these busy, bitter cold December days.
I love that I can simply throw everything into the instant pot (also included directions for the slow cooker). Then boil some pasta, and in less than an hour dinner is ready. Just be sure to serve with crusty bread, or maybe even these 3 cheese everything spice grilled cheese. Oh, and be sure to add a little extra parmesan!
If you make this pasta e Fagioli, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Instant Pot Pasta e Fagioli
A mix of wintry vegetables, tomatoes, parmesan, herbs, pasta, and beans, all simmered together in the instant pot to create a healthy and warming bowl of soup. Delicious!
Ingredients
- 2-3 slices thick cut bacon, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 3-4 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 ounce) diced tomatoes
- 1 large bunch collard greens or kale, chopped
- 1 parmesan rind, plus grated parmesan, for serving
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 pound short cut pasta
- 1 can (14 ounce) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
Instant Pot
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1. Set Instant Pot to sauté. Add the bacon and cook until crisp, about 5 minutes.
2. To the instant post, add the olive oil, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook an additional 8-10 minutes, until the veggies have cooked down. Turn the instant pot off.
3. Add in the 3 cups broth, the tomatoes, greens, parmesan rind, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cover and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to packaged directions, until al dente. Drain.
5. Once done cooking, use the natural or quick release function. Remove the parmesan rind, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary, and discard. Stir in the beans and half the pasta, adding more pasta to each bowl, if desired. If desired, add the remaining broth to thin the soup.
6. Divide the soup among bowls and top with parmesan. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker
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1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes.
2. To the skillet, add the olive oil, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook an additional 8-10 minutes, until the veggies have cooked down. Remove from the heat and transfer the mixture to the bowl of your slow cooker.
3. To the slow cooker, add 3 cups broth, the tomatoes, greens, parmesan rind, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
4. Just before serving, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to packaged directions, until al dente. Drain.
5. Once done cooking, remove the parmesan rind, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary, and discard. Stir in the beans and half the pasta, adding more pasta to each bowl, if desired. If desired, add the remaining broth to thin the soup.
6. Divide the soup among bowls and top with parmesan. Enjoy!
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Oh yayyy, Pasta e fagioli is actually our family classic. This wonderful soup (like many other Italian recipes) quickly made its way to our kitchens and hearts over here in Slovenia too – definitely a huge plus being Italy’s neighbor. It’s truly a divine winter recipe, comfort food at its finest. Thank you so much for sharing your recipe, love that you added greens too. Looks amazing, as always (:
I am so glad you like this and I hope you try it Maja! Thank you!
Why add half the pasta?
I like to start with half the pasta and then add more as needed. If you add all the pasta at once it will soak up all the broth. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much!! xTieghan ?
Why add only 1/2 of the pasta?
I’m curious what you do with the remaining 1/2 of the pasta.
I like to start with half the pasta and then add more as needed. If you add all the pasta at once it will soak up all the broth. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much and happy Holidays!! xTieghan ?
Looks amazing!
Rebecca | http://www.peppermintdolly.com
Thank you!
How could I make this on the stove in a dutch oven?
Follow the directions for the slow cooker version only simmer on the stover 20-30 minutes. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much and happy Holidays!! xTieghan ?
1. You forgot to add celery to the ingredient list
2. Why only add half the pasta?
Hi Alma, the celery has been added.
I like to start with half the pasta and then add more as needed. If you add all the pasta at once it will soak up all the broth. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much and happy Holidays!! xTieghan ?
Hi T,
If I make this recipe without instant pot what are the steps involved?
Thank you
Follow the directions for the slow cooker version only simmer on the stover 20-30 minutes. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much and happy Holidays!! xTieghan ?
Nice soup. Agree, 1 lb of pasta is way too much. But, I would only cook half the box and use it. Celery, I think that was optional…I’m not fan, so pass on that for me.
Thank you Joyce!
So good & hearty. Perfect for a chilly evening.
YES! I am so glad you loved this! Thank you Jeanine!
This looks fantastic! I think she is suggesting to add half the pasta (then top off with more if desired) in case you don’t like your soup as heavy on the pasta, or once it cooks up it ends up being too much. So start with half and then add in additional if you want to adjust your pasta to broth ratio would be my guess?
Yes, exactly right! Thank you, Aline!
So delicious! So quick and easy to make! Perfect for dinner after prepping in the kitchen all day for my holiday guests arriving today. Even my picky eater loved every bite and went back for seconds! It is so pretty in the bowl. Thank you so much for sharing this fabulous recipe!!!
I am so glad everyone enjoyed this recipe, Denise! Thank you so much!
Sub a ham bone for the bacon?
If I can get the ham bone home with me at Christmas I’m going to try it.
Hey Carrie! Yes, a ham bone will make for a delicious soup! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much and happy Holidays!! xTieghan ?
Five stars for sure! Loved this, delicious!! I’m just learning to use my Instant Pot and I’m so glad to find these recipes of yours!!
Thank you so much Cristie!
This was DELICIOUS. Thank you.
Thank you so much Patti!
Thank you for this delicious recipe. I made the vegetarian version and everyone in my family loved the soup!
Warm wishes and happy holidays to you and your family!
Thank you so much! Happy Holidays!
Made this tonight for our Christmas Eve dinner and it was amazing! I recently found your blog and everything so far tastes amazing! Can’t wait to try more.
Thank you so much Leah!
I’m just wondering when to add the kale. Smells amazing so far!
Thank you so much Eileen!
We have in-laws staying with us during the holidays, so a giant pot of soup was the perfect meal to feed a hungry bunch. Everyone RAVED over this. The kids gobbled up every bite and asked for more.
I replaced the bacon with 1 pound of Italian sausage and used the entire 4 cups of broth to stretch it a little further. Perfect.
I am so glad you all enjoyed this Melissa! Thank you so much!
I used the Christmas ham bone instead of the bacon. Otherwise, I followed the Instant Pot recipe exactly. It was wonderful.
Thanks, I will be making this with every ham bone from now on.
I am so glad you loved this! Thank you so much Carrie!
Just made this today in a slow cooker… AWESOME, easy dinner… Thank you Tieghan!!
Hi! I just recently found your website on Instagram and I can’t wait to try all your recipes.
Question about this one: If I want to make this to serve a larger group and I add more of the ingredients, do I need to add more time to the instant pot? Thanks in advance!
Hi Estee! Are you doubling the recipe? If so you will need to use 2 instant pots and in that case, you should cook for the same amount of time per instant pot. It is hard for me to advise you without knowing the amounts of ingredients you will be using. If you can give me some more details, I can help you better! I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan ???
What can you substitute for the Parmesan rind?
HI! You can omit the parmesan rind. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you and happy holidays! xTieghan
Really great tasting soup and I will for sure make again – but with only one simple adjustment. There just too much pasta! Even only adding half the pasta (and reserving the other half to add in bowls if desired as the recipe reads), it is just too much pasta and not enough stock/liquid. Next time I will cook only 1/2 lb pasta and RESERVE HALF of it – adding only 1/4 of a lb of pasta to the soup. But as I said – will definitely make again. Simple, tasty and comforting. My husband and daughters were big fans so thank you for the recipe! ?
That is so great! Thank you for trying this MaryAnn! I hope it turns out better for you next time! xTieghan
Made this tonight on the stovetop. Delightful! Thanks, Tieghan!
Thank you Lauren! xTieghan
This is another amazing recipe! I will say I have now made both versions and much prefer the slow cooker version – the flavors are much more developed when it has been simmering for hours. Had to double the amount of broth and honestly would probably up that even more next time. But a delicious, simple recipe. Thank you Tieghan!
Thank you Melissa! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
It’s good but tastes a bit more like a minestrone. Missing something in the spices but im not sure what. Had to leave out the bacon. Next time I would find a sub for kale as well but its hearty and tasty.
Thank you so much Lynn! xTieghan
It was snowy and 19 degrees in Denver today. Smelling this soup simmer all day and taking in its delicious flavors was perfection!! It’s our new favorite soup!
Wow, yes I heard it was so cold!! I hope this helped you stay warm, Kendra! Thank you for trying it! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan, I’ve made your recipe before and I absolutely love this soup! It’s so cozy. I’d like to make it ahead for a trip, is it freezer friendly? Thanks!
This recipe is absolutely amazing!!! Made it without the bacon and it was still fantastic, will be in heavy rotation this winter!
Thank you so much B! xTieghan
Can I add the uncooked pasta back to the instant pot and cook for a few minutes to avoid having to boil more water/use another pot??
Hey Grace,
I really like to do the pasta separately here so it does not soak up all of the broth. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
this was so simple and easy and my family devoured it. full of flavor. i added dry pasta to the instant pot at the end and used sauté setting for 4 mins and the pasta cooked perfectly without absorbing too much liquid, only because i didn’t want to dry up another pot.
Hey Meg,
I am delighted you enjoyed the recipe, thanks so much for giving it a try! xTieghan
This recipe always comes out so delicious!! Great suggestion with making the pasta separately, it makes the soup just that much better. No one likes overcooked pasta in their soup. Thank you for the instant pot recipes, we love the one pot set it and forget kind of cooking around here!
Hey Alysia,
Thank you so much for giving this recipe a try, I am delighted that it was enjoyed!! Have a great weekend! xTieghan