If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that comes together quick and easy, this Instant Pot Pasta e Fagioli Recipe is absolutely your new best friend. Combining tender pasta, savory pancetta, vibrant vegetables, and creamy beans all cooked to perfection in one pot, it’s effortless comfort food with a rich Italian heritage. The Instant Pot does all the hard work while you enjoy a bowl of this delicious, satisfying soup that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this dish plays a starring role, bringing a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. You’ll love how these simple pantry staples come together beautifully without any fuss.
- Pancetta: Crisps up wonderfully and adds a smoky, salty bite that sets the flavor foundation.
- Onion: Offers a mildly sweet base that elevates the overall flavor.
- Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and fresh freshness to the soup.
- Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
- Garlic: Infuses the broth with that unmistakable aromatic warmth.
- Diced tomatoes with juices: Provide bright acidity and a rich, tangy backdrop.
- Chicken broth/stock: Gives body and depth to the soup’s base.
- Water: Balances the broth ensuring the perfect consistency.
- Italian seasoning: Layers in classic herbaceous notes that unify the dish.
- Red kidney beans: Contribute creamy texture and protein.
- White kidney beans: Complement the reds with a softer bite and nutrition.
- Ditalini or macaroni pasta: Tiny shapes that soak up the broth beautifully, making each spoonful comforting.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a finishing touch of savory richness when serving.
How to Make Instant Pot Pasta e Fagioli Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by chopping your onion, celery, and carrots, and mince the garlic. This prep work means everything will cook evenly and melt together perfectly once in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Pancetta
Press the sauté button on your Instant Pot, and add the pancetta. Let it cook until it crisps and browns lightly. This step ensures that smoky, savory flavor really develops and starts the dish off with a beautiful base.
Step 3: Add and Cook the Onion
Next, toss in the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The onions soften and release their natural sweetness, complimenting the pancetta’s richness wonderfully.
Step 4: Add All Remaining Ingredients and Stir
Pour in the celery, carrots, garlic, diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, water, Italian seasoning, both kinds of beans, and pasta. Give everything a good stir to combine and distribute flavors evenly before sealing the pot.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the valve is set to “sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. This is when the magic happens, perfectly cooking the pasta and melding all those flavors together beautifully.
Step 6: Quick Release and Season
When cooking finishes, carefully perform a quick pressure release. Open the lid, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed to make the soup just right for your palate.
Step 7: Serve with Parmesan
Ladle the piping hot pasta e fagioli into bowls and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese if you like that extra cheesy, savory kiss that only parmesan brings. Get ready for your new favorite dinner!
How to Serve Instant Pot Pasta e Fagioli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan is classic, but don’t shy away from adding fresh chopped parsley or a drizzle of good olive oil for added freshness and aroma. Crusty bread on the side to soak up every last drop is an absolute must.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread work beautifully too if you want to keep things indulgent and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in rustic bowls that highlight the colors and textures. For a fun twist, turn it into a pasta e fagioli “dip” by thickening the soup slightly and serving it with toasted focaccia pieces for sharing. Hosting guests? Offer bowls with topping choices like parmesan, fresh basil, or crushed red pepper flakes right at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Instant Pot Pasta e Fagioli Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Flavors meld even more overnight, making leftovers just as delicious, if not better.
Freezing
Freeze soup in portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Just be aware that pasta can get soft after freezing, so slightly undercooking it before storing helps maintain better texture upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up, stirring frequently until warmed through. You can also pop it in the microwave, making sure to cover and stir halfway to avoid uneven heating.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth works perfectly if you want a vegetarian version or just prefer a lighter base. It still lets all those tasty ingredients shine through.
What pasta is best for Pasta e Fagioli?
Ditalini or small elbow macaroni are traditional choices because their tiny shapes hold the broth nicely. However, feel free to swap in any small pasta shape you love.
Do I have to soak the beans beforehand?
This recipe uses canned beans, which saves time and effort. If you use dried beans, they will need soaking and longer cooking, which isn’t ideal for the Instant Pot timing here.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just choose a gluten-free pasta variety and verify that your broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so the dish adapts easily.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe isn’t spicy at all, making it very family-friendly. If you want some heat, add crushed red pepper flakes during the sauté stage or sprinkle on top when serving.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a bowl of Instant Pot Pasta e Fagioli Recipe that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Its easy preparation, rich flavors, and comforting texture make it the perfect go-to dish when you want a filling meal with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a fixture in your weekly dinner rotation.
