Pasta Fagioli with Turkey Sausage

Pasta Fagioli with Turkey Sausage is a hearty, comforting Italian soup filled with tender turkey sausage, beans, vegetables, and pasta, all simmered in a rich tomato-based broth. This satisfying dish is perfect for cozy dinners and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its balanced flavors and wholesome ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup brings together the best of Italian cuisine with a healthier twist using turkey sausage. It’s hearty, flavorful, and filling, making it perfect for cooler weather or when you need a comforting meal. Packed with fiber-rich beans, veggies, and pasta, it’s an easy-to-make dish that offers both nutrition and delicious taste in one bowl.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ½ cups ditalini pasta, uncooked
1 lb turkey sausage, ground
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 ½ cups yellow onion, diced
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup celery, diced
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
32 oz low-sodium chicken broth
30 oz tomato sauce
15 oz cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
15 oz dark kidney beans, drained and rinsed
14 oz diced tomatoes, canned
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅓ cup parmesan cheese, grated for garnish
Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ditalini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the turkey sausage, breaking it into bite-sized pieces with a wooden spoon until fully cooked. Remove sausage and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

3. Add olive oil to the same pot and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly tender. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.

4. Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, cannellini beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer.

5. Return the cooked turkey sausage and pasta to the pot. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

6. Serve hot, garnished with grated parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 10 servings and takes about 1 hour to prepare—15 minutes for prep and 45 minutes of cooking time.

Variations

• Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add extra vegetables or plant-based protein like lentils or tofu.

• Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale for added nutrition.

• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for some heat.

• Swap pasta types: If you don’t have ditalini, you can use other small pasta like elbow macaroni or shells.

storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of broth or water to loosen the soup as needed. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months—just freeze before adding the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans?

Yes! You can substitute other beans like navy beans, white beans, or pinto beans if you prefer.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Just refrigerate and reheat when ready to serve.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper when sautéing the vegetables for a little heat.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the turkey sausage and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the broth, tomato sauce, beans, and seasoning. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, adding the pasta in the last 20 minutes of cooking.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to substitute any small pasta you have on hand, such as elbow macaroni, small shells, or farfalle.

Is this soup gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free pasta, this soup will be gluten-free.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, freeze the soup in an airtight container before adding the pasta. When ready to serve, reheat and add freshly cooked pasta.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the soup a day or two ahead, and it will taste even better as the flavors have time to develop.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey sausage?

Yes, ground beef will work, but turkey sausage provides a leaner option with great flavor.

Conclusion

Pasta Fagioli with Turkey Sausage is a hearty, wholesome, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any time you need a comforting meal. This Italian-inspired soup is easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and packed with nutritious ingredients that will leave everyone satisfied. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

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