Instant Pot Pasta E Fagioli, which means "Pasta and Beans", is a hearty peasant style soup that is a traditional Italian one-pot meal. Pressure cooker Pasta Fagioli soup has sausage, and can be made without as well. Make this Olive Garden copycat Pasta Fagioli in the Instant Pot as a budget friendly meal that tastes delicious!
Originally published 10/16/2017
Instant Pot Pasta e Fagioli
We are heading into Fall, and I'm starting to see the trees change colors. It's really beautiful!
With that change comes the cold! We really felt it this morning, so I decided a hearty pot of pressure cooker Pasta E Fagioli was going to me our midday meal. I have wanted to tell you about this soup, so today is my chance!
How often do you combine pasta and beans? Me either. I just don't usually think of it. It's either going to be a pasta dish, or a bean dish. But if you think about it, we do combine rice and beans, so why not!
The Italians sure know what's up! This soup has so many wonderful, yet simple ingredients. It might seem a little intimidating because the list is long, but it's really easy!
I like to cook the pasta first, and then make the rest of the soup. I tried this a few different ways, but this yielded the results I like. I can control the pasta's doneness so it doesn't end up overcooked.
You could also add the pasta after pressure cooking and use the sauté setting to cook it.
Since you need to let large pots of soup naturally release pressure, the pasta would be mush if it was in from the beginning of the soup's cook time. No one wants that!
I hope you enjoy the Fall season, wherever you live, and enjoy this Instant Pot Pasta e Fagioli! Ciao!
Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana (Sausage Potato Soup)
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Sandy's Instant Pot Beef Stew
Instant Pot Ham Hock and Bean Soup
If you make this yummy pressure cooker Pasta Fagioli, please leave a comment and a star rating below. I'd love to know how you liked it!
Instant Pot Pasta E Fagioli is a hearty peasant style soup that has beans, sausage, pasta, and a rich broth. Budget friendly and delicious!
- 4 cups Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
- 1 cup Ditalini Pasta (4 oz) or orzo, macaroni, etc.
- 4 Slices of Bacon (4 oz weighed) chopped
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Medium Size Onion, chopped
- 1 lb Italian Sausage (ground)
- 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 5 Garlic Cloves, (pressed or finely minced)
- 2 Stalks Celery, diced
- 1 Large Carrot, diced
- (1) 14.5 oz can Diced Tomatoes (with liquid)
- (1) 15 oz can Tomato Sauce
- (1) 15.5 oz can Cannellini Beans (drained & rinsed)
- (1) 15.25 oz can Red Kidney Beans (drained & rinsed)
- (1) 15.5 oz can Garbanzo Beans (drained & rinsed)
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 4 Sprigs of Fresh Thyme (each sprig with 3 or 4 stems)
- 1 Sprig of Fresh Rosemary
- 3 cups Chicken Broth (low sodium) Use 4 cups for more soup like consistency.
- ¼ cup Flat Leaf Italian Parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated) plus more for garnish
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped (or to taste)
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Add water, salt, and oil to the Instant Pot inner liner.
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Press the Sauté button and let the water heat up. When the water starts to simmer, add the pasta and stir.
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Close the lid and set the steam release Knob to the Sealing position.
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Press the Pressure Cook (or Manual) button and the +/- button or dial to choose 4 minutes. Choose High pressure.
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When the cook cycle is done and the pot beeps, do a quick release of the pressure.
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After all of the steam is out and the pin in the lid drops, open pot and drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the pasta from cooking further, and then set it aside (make sure it is completely cooled).
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Press the Sauté button and let the pot start warming up.
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Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until done. Remove and set aside. Keep 1 Tablespoon of the bacon grease in the pot, discard any remaining.
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Add the olive oil to the pot and the onion. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until just starting to turn translucent.
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Add sausage and red pepper and cook, breaking up the meat, until done.
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Add the Italian seasoning, black pepper, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
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Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, all of the beans, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, reserved bacon, and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot to get up any browned bits.
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Press the Cancel button to turn off the Sauté mode. Put the lid on and set the steam release knob to the Sealing position.
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Press the Pressure Cook (or Manual) button and the +/- button or dial to choose 7 minutes. High pressure.
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When the cook cycle is done and the pot beeps, let the pot sit undisturbed for 15 minutes (15 minute Natural Release), then do a quick release of the remaining pressure. After all of the steam is out and the pin in the lid drops, open and stir the soup.
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Add the reserved pasta, parsley, parmesan cheese, and basil. Stir well and let sit for a few minutes before serving.
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Garnish with more parmesan cheese and serve.
*If you don't want to cook your pasta first, you can add it after pressure cooking and use the sauté setting to cook it. Or cook it on the stove while the soup is cooking.
This recipe works best in an 6 or 8 qt pot.
Inspired by "My Italian Cottage" Kirkland Neighborhood Italian Cookbook, 1987.
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Resources to Make Instant Pot Pasta Fagioli
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Roslyn Hill
Pasta Fagioli has always been a family favorite. This is the first time I’ve made it with Italian (turkey) sausage as I’ve always used ground beef. I may use Italian pork sausage next time to see if it adds more flavor. I also used Real Bacon Bits to save myself some time. Loved this soup and my husband did as well. It’s a keeper and I’m including it in the IP recipe binder I’m creating for my college son when I give him an IP mini for Christmas.
Sandy
That's such a great idea, Roslyn! I think the IP would be a perfect appliance for him. The sausage really does add flavor.
wendy hutton
this looks so great and hearty would make a great meal
Leanne Plum
If I double the recipe, will my 8 quart instant be able to handle it? Always like to have extra to freeze!
Sandy
I think so, just do a longer natural release.
Cec Hr
It is too much to double. I doubled it up to where you add the beans, tomatoes and broth and then I removed half of the meat and veggie mixture then added the ingredients for 1 batch. After we ate it, I just cooked the other batch. Super easy and it wasn’t too much for my 8 qt ip this way.
Tara
Did exactly the same!
Ellen Culver
Still cold in northern NY. So this is going to be our dinner tonight. I love soup and this looks awesome.
Sandy
Hi Ellen, you folks in the East sure got cold this year! I hope this soup warms you up! It's a favorite around here.
Erich Zirnhelt
Have you ever done this with the dry beans instead of canned? I imagine it only needs a bit more time.
Sandy
Hi Erich, I haven't. I like the canned beans in this recipe. However, if I was going to use dry beans, I would soak them overnight, and try a cook time of about 20 minutes. Also, the broth would need to be increased a bit, and possibly the seasonings. It could be done, though a practice run would be good!
Terri
I loved your recipe! I did cook the pasta in my fasta pasta because it is quick and easy in the microwave. I omitted bacon and used 5 hot turkey italian sausages out of the casings and also two zucchini chopped in larger pieces. Everyone loved the soup and while it was very few weight watcher points per serving 5sp, it was very filling! Thank you
Sandy
Hi Terri, that's great! I'm glad you were able to make it and enjoy it! Thank you for the review!
Chicook13
This was DELICIOUS! I made it to have soup in the freezer for lunches. I bet it will taste even better after being frozen. Thanks for a fabulous recipe!
Sandy
Thank you for your review! I'm very happy that you like the soup! I have some in my freezer, too!