Pasta Fazool Ham Beans Soup

Pasta Fazool is a soul-soothing Italian-American soup rich with creamy beans tender ham and hearty pasta. In our family this recipe appears every chilly weekend and never lasts long everyone grabs seconds before the pot is empty.

The first time I made this was for a big winter gathering and the way it filled my house with warmth is why it remains my go-to for busy weeks.

Ingredients

• Dried great northern beans: add creaminess soak up all the flavors choose beans with unbroken skins for best texture
• Ham bone: brings rich flavor depth and extra savory broth ask for a bone with plenty of meat left on
• Reserved ham: turns the soup into a meal-in-one use high quality roasted or honey ham
• Diced onion: gives a sweet undertone pick firm onions with shiny skins
• Diced celery: offers rustic earthy notes check for crisp stalks no limpness
• Tomato sauce: delivers body and brightness look for pure tomato ingredients no added sugar
• Italian seasoning: adds herbal warmth choose a fresh dried blend for best flavor
• Kosher salt: seasons everything evenly flakes work better than fine salt
• Fresh black pepper: adds zing always grind just before using
• Elbow macaroni: holds up in broth and carries the sauce stick with classic semolina pasta
• Grated parmesan cheese for serving: brings salty savory finish always grate fresh for maximum flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Beans:

Pour water into a large stock pot rinse beans then add them heat just to boiling immediately turn off the heat cover and let them soak for one hour this ensures tenderness without splitting

Prep the Ham and Vegetables:

While beans soak cut all ham from the bone reserve the meat you’ll need four cups chop onion and celery to even small pieces so they melt into the soup

Build the Broth:

After an hour add ham bone reserved ham chopped onion chopped celery tomato sauce Italian seasoning salt and pepper to the beans stir thoroughly bring the pot to a simmer partially cover cook for two hours to let all flavors build up rich depth stirring occasionally

Finish the Soup:

Take out the ham bone from the soup scrape off any remaining meat and add this back to the pot pour in elbow macaroni and remaining diced ham stir cover and cook for fifteen minutes until pasta is just soft the soup will thicken as it sits

Serve and Garnish:

Let soup rest at least fifteen minutes before serving to deepen the taste ladle into bowls season with cracked black pepper and top with plenty of fresh parmesan

Save

My favorite part is always fishing out those tender pieces of ham that soak up every herb and tomato note. My kids now ask for extra parmesan after watching my mom pile it on every bowl.

Storage tips

Cool leftovers completely before storing in airtight containers in the fridge for up to five days. For longer storage freeze in portioned freezer bags and thaw gently on the stove adding a splash of broth or water as needed since the soup thickens after chilling.

Ingredient substitutions

If you cannot find great northern beans try cannellini beans for an equally creamy base. A smoked turkey leg adds a different savory layer if you are skipping ham. You can also change up the small pasta with ditalini or small shells.

Serving suggestions

Serve Pasta Fazool with crusty bread for soaking. A crisp green salad with sharp vinaigrette balances the richness. Sometimes I sprinkle with fresh basil if I have it or add a spoonful of chili oil for a spicy twist.

Cultural and historical context

Pasta Fazool comes from the Southern Italian tradition of turning simple pantry staples into comfort dishes. The name itself is a playful American take on pasta e fagioli originally a peasant meal that now fills family tables across generations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ What beans work best for pasta fazool?

Great northern or cannellini beans are ideal for their creamy texture. Soak and simmer for best results.

→ Can I substitute the ham bone?

If you don't have a ham bone, smoked ham hock or thick-cut smoked ham will enrich the broth nicely.

→ How do you keep the pasta from getting mushy?

Add elbow macaroni toward the end of cooking, simmer gently, and avoid overcooking for best texture.

→ What garnishes can I use?

Grated parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper add extra flavor, while fresh herbs like parsley brighten the bowl.

→ Is this dish freezer friendly?

Yes, but freeze without the pasta if possible. Add cooked pasta when reheating to maintain texture.