This Pasta Fagioli Soup recipe is a comforting Italian soup in a tomato-based broth filled with beans, vegetables, and tiny tubular pasta. This vegan, healthy version of an Olive Garden classic is so delicious you will think you are eating out. And it takes less than 30 minutes and one pot to make.
In a large pot, saute the garlic and onions until translucent.
Add celery and cook for a couple of minutes.
Now, add diced carrots and cook for a few minutes.
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, beans (rinsed and drained), Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, nutritional yeast, maple syrup, red pepper flakes (if using), and bay leaves.
Bring to a boil, stirring to combine ingredients.
Once boiling, add dry pasta and lentils. Stir and cover.
Reduce heat to simmer.
Simmer for 10 minutes (the time required to cook the noodles); if you use a different noodle, follow the cooking time on the noodles' box or bag.
Remove from heat; stir and add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve with a salad, crusty bread, or your favorite side dishes.
Notes
If using dry lentils, add 1 cup to the pot without the pasta, bring the soup to a boil, cover, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 30 minutes. Then, boil again, remove the cover, and add the pasta. Cook for 8-10 minutes uncovered until the pasta is cooked through.
Any type of small pasta works well in this soup.
Add another can of beans of choice for those who do not like lentils.
For those who struggle with nightshade vegetables, swap the diced tomatoes for roasted red peppers in a jar packed in water.