The Best Pasta Fazool Made with Chicken – Quick & Easy Recipe

Pasta fazool made with chicken is a hearty, flavorful twist on the classic Italian pasta fagioli. Traditionally made with beans, pasta, and a rich tomato broth, this version swaps in tender shredded chicken, adding extra protein and a comforting depth of flavor. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner, bringing warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

This quick and easy recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, using simple pantry staples like cannellini beans, ditalini pasta, and Italian seasonings. Whether you’re craving a filling meal on a cold evening or looking for a one-pot dinner that’s both nutritious and delicious, this pasta fazool with chicken is sure to become a new favorite. Let’s get started!

What Is Pasta Fazool Made with Chicken?

Origin of pasta fazool

Pasta fazool, also known as pasta fagioli, is a beloved Italian dish with humble origins rooted in peasant cooking. The name “pasta fagioli” translates to “pasta and beans” in Italian, highlighting the two main ingredients that define this comforting meal. The term “fazool” comes from the Neapolitan dialect and is commonly used in Italian-American households, especially in regions like New York and New Jersey, where Italian immigrants popularized the dish.

Historically, pasta fagioli was a staple of cucina povera—a style of Italian cooking that focuses on using simple, affordable ingredients to create nourishing meals. This dish was commonly made with dried beans, short pasta, garlic, olive oil, and sometimes tomatoes, depending on regional variations. While some versions include pancetta or ground meat, others remain completely vegetarian, making it a versatile and adaptable dish across Italy.

Different regions of Italy have their own take on pasta fagioli. In Northern Italy, the dish is typically creamier, often thickened by blending some of the beans into the broth. In contrast, Southern Italian versions, particularly in Naples, tend to be more tomato-based, with a slightly thinner broth and a pronounced garlic flavor. Regardless of the variation, pasta fagioli has always been a symbol of comfort food, enjoyed by generations for its simplicity and rich taste.

With time, Italian immigrants brought pasta fazool to the United States, where it became a staple in many Italian-American kitchens. Today, the dish has evolved with modern adaptations, including the addition of shredded chicken for a leaner, protein-rich twist. While the traditional recipe remains a timeless favorite, this pasta fazool made with chicken offers a delicious variation that stays true to its rustic roots while adding an extra layer of heartiness.

How this version with chicken adds a unique twist

While traditional pasta fazool is often made with pancetta, ground beef, or left vegetarian, swapping in chicken gives this classic dish a flavorful and wholesome update. Adding shredded or diced chicken enhances the texture, makes the dish leaner, and boosts the protein content, making it a more filling meal. This variation caters to those looking for a lighter alternative without compromising on taste or richness.

One of the biggest advantages of using chicken in pasta fazool is its ability to absorb flavors beautifully. Whether you use rotisserie chicken, slow-cooked shredded chicken, or pan-seared diced chicken, it soaks up the savory broth, garlic, and Italian seasonings, infusing every bite with depth and warmth. This makes the dish even more satisfying, especially when served with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.

Another reason to love this chicken-based twist is its versatility. It pairs well with both a brothy, soup-like consistency and a thicker, stew-style texture, depending on your preference. You can also adjust the flavor profile by adding spices like red pepper flakes for heat or fresh basil for a bright, aromatic finish. Plus, this version is perfect for meal prep, as chicken-based pasta fazool stores and reheats well, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

By incorporating chicken, this dish becomes an excellent high-protein comfort food that is just as cozy and nostalgic as the original. Whether you’re a fan of the classic or trying pasta fazool for the first time, this chicken variation brings a unique, hearty twist to a beloved Italian favorite.

Why it’s a hearty and comforting meal

Pasta fazool made with chicken is the perfect comfort food, offering a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and carbs that keeps you full and satisfied. The combination of tender chicken, creamy beans, and soft pasta creates a hearty, well-rounded meal that is both nourishing and delicious.

Its rich, savory flavors come from garlic, onions, Italian seasoning, and a slow-simmered tomato broth, making each spoonful deeply satisfying. The warm, stew-like consistency adds to its cozy appeal, especially when served with crusty bread for dipping.

Beyond its taste, this dish is easy to prepare and meal-prep friendly, storing well for leftovers that taste even better the next day. With customizable textures and flavors, it adapts to different preferences, making it a versatile and go-to comfort meal. Whether you’re craving something warm on a chilly evening or a quick, hearty dinner, pasta fazool with chicken delivers pure comfort in every bite.

Ingredients Needed for Pasta Fazool with Chicken

Essential ingredients

The key to a flavorful pasta fazool made with chicken lies in its simple yet rich ingredients that create a comforting and well-balanced dish.

• Cannellini Beans: Provide a creamy texture and add fiber and protein, helping to thicken the broth naturally.
• Ditalini Pasta: The small, tube-shaped pasta holds the broth well and offers the perfect bite. Other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or orzo can work as substitutes.
• Chicken Broth: Forms the flavorful base, enhancing the depth of the dish. Low-sodium broth allows for better control over seasoning.
• Shredded Chicken: A lean and hearty alternative to traditional pancetta or ground meat, adding protein without making the dish too heavy.
• Garlic: Infuses the broth with a deep, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Tomatoes: Diced, crushed, or in paste form, they add a slight acidity and richness to balance the creaminess of the beans.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary creates an authentic and well-rounded flavor profile.

Optional add-ins

Enhance your pasta fazool made with chicken with these flavorful add-ins:

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, umami depth, melting into the broth for a creamy finish. Stir in grated Parmesan or top with shaved pieces for extra indulgence.
• Fresh Basil: Provides a bright, aromatic contrast to the savory broth. Chop and mix in just before serving for a burst of freshness.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a spicy kick that balances the dish’s richness. Adjust to taste for mild or bold heat.

Best substitutes for dietary preferences

Pasta fazool made with chicken is highly adaptable, allowing for modifications to fit different dietary needs while keeping its comforting flavors intact.

• Gluten-Free Alternatives: Swap traditional pasta with brown rice pasta, chickpea pasta, or gluten-free ditalini for a celiac-friendly option. Cook separately to prevent mushiness.
• Plant-Based Options: Replace chicken with mushrooms, jackfruit, tofu, or extra beans, and use vegetable broth and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Modifications: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or cauliflower rice, and thicken the soup with extra shredded chicken or leafy greens.
• Heart-Healthy Adjustments: Use low-sodium broth, fresh tomatoes, and dried beans to control salt content, enhancing flavor with herbs like oregano and basil instead.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Pasta Fazool with Chicken

Step 1:

The first step in pasta fazool made with chicken is sautéing onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning in olive oil, which builds a rich, aromatic base for the dish.

1. Heat Olive Oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté Onions: Cook finely chopped onions for 3-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Bloom Italian Seasoning: Mix in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, letting them toast slightly to deepen the flavor.

Step 2:

Once the aromatics are sautéed, the next step is building the broth by adding chicken broth, beans, and tomatoes, then letting the mixture simmer to develop deep, rich flavors.

• Chicken broth: Provides flavorful depth and forms the soup’s basis. Low-sodium broth is best for seasoning control.
• Beans: Cannellini beans provide creaminess and protein, naturally thickening the soup. Canned beans are convenient, while dried beans offer better texture if pre-cooked.
• Tomatoes: A mix of crushed or diced tomatoes gives a balanced sweetness and acidity, enhancing the broth’s richness. Tomato paste can be added for a deeper umami flavor.

Simmering for 15-20 minutes allows the ingredients to blend, the beans to soften, and the broth to thicken slightly. Mashing some beans helps achieve a heartier consistency, while adjusting seasonings ensures a perfectly balanced flavor.

Step 3:

Cooking pasta directly in the soup allows it to absorb the flavorful broth, creating a well-integrated and hearty texture.

• Best Pasta Options: Ditalini is traditional, but elbow macaroni, orzo, or small shells also work well.
• Cooking Process:
  1. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then add 1 cup of pasta.
  2. Reduce heat and stir frequently to prevent sticking.
  3. Cook until al dente (8-10 minutes) to maintain a firm texture.
• Preventing Overcooked Pasta:
  • If serving immediately, remove from heat once the pasta is just tender.
  • If making ahead, cook pasta separately and add before serving to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid.
  • When reheating, add extra broth to adjust consistency.

Step 4:

Once the pasta is cooked, it’s time to incorporate the shredded chicken and enhance the flavors with final seasonings.

• Adding the Chicken: Stir in 1 ½ to 2 cups of shredded chicken and let it warm through for 3-5 minutes over low heat. This ensures the chicken remains tender and absorbs the broth’s flavors.
• Final Seasoning Adjustments:
  • Add salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for mild heat.
  • The flavors can be enhanced with a squeeze of lemon juice.
  • Stir in fresh basil or parsley for a fragrant finish.
• Garnishing & Serving:
  • Top with grated Parmesan for added richness.
  • Drizzle with olive oil for a silky mouthfeel.
  • Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
  • If the soup thickens, add a splash of extra broth before serving.

Tips for the Best Pasta Fazool with Chicken

Choosing the best chicken for the recipe

The type of chicken you choose can impact the flavor, texture, and convenience of your pasta fazool made with chicken. Here’s a breakdown of the best options:

• Rotisserie Chicken (Best for Convenience): Pre-cooked and seasoned, making it a quick and flavorful option. Simply shred and add at the end.
• Shredded Chicken (Best for Absorbing Flavor): Poached, slow-cooked, or pressure-cooked, this option soaks up broth flavors while maintaining tenderness.
• Cooked Fresh Chicken (Best for Richer Broth): Simmering raw chicken in the soup before shredding adds extra depth to the broth and keeps the meat moist.
• Bone-In Chicken (For Maximum Flavor): Cooking bone-in thighs or drumsticks in the broth enhances the soup’s richness and texture, though it requires extra cooking and deboning.

How to achieve the perfect consistency

The consistency of pasta fazool made with chicken can be adjusted to your preference—whether you prefer a thick, hearty stew or a lighter, brothier soup.

• For a Thicker, Stew-Like Texture:
  • Use less broth (reduce by ½ to 1 cup).
  • Mash some of the beans to release starches and naturally thicken the broth.
  • Let the soup simmer longer (10-15 minutes) to evaporate excess liquid.
  • Cook pasta directly in the soup to absorb more liquid.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess.
• For a Soupier, Brothy Version:
  • Add extra broth (1 cup or more) to maintain a lighter consistency.
  • Cook pasta separately to prevent excess starch from thickening the soup.
  • Keep beans whole instead of mashing them.
  • Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the consistency.

Storage and reheating tips for meal prep and leftovers

Pasta fazool made with chicken is perfect for meal prep, but proper storage and reheating techniques help maintain its flavor and texture.

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days. For best results, keep pasta separate to prevent it from absorbing too much broth.
• Freezing: Freeze the soup without pasta for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating on the Stovetop (Best Method): Warm over medium heat, adding extra broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
• Microwave Reheating (Quick Method): Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, and add broth if the soup has thickened.
• Preventing Mushy Pasta: If pasta is stored in the soup, add more broth when reheating. If stored separately, add it in the last 1-2 minutes of reheating.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Slow cooker & Instant Pot variations for easy cooking

For a hands-off approach, pasta fazool made with chicken can be prepared in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, making it perfect for busy days.

• Slow Cooker Method (Best for Deep Flavor):
  1. Add chicken, beans, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings to the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on Low (6-8 hours) or High (3-4 hours) until chicken is tender.
  3. Return the chicken to the pot after shredding it.
  4. Stir in pasta during the last 30 minutes and cook until tender.
• Instant Pot Method (Best for Quick Cooking):
  1. Use the Sauté function to cook onions, garlic, and seasonings.
  2. Add chicken, beans, tomatoes, and broth, then pressure cook for 10 minutes.
  3. Naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then shred the chicken.
  4. Use the Sauté function to cook pasta for 6-8 minutes, then serve.

Serving ideas

Pairing pasta fazool made with chicken with the right sides and garnishes enhances its flavor and texture, creating a well-rounded meal.

• Crusty Bread: Ideal for dipping into the rich broth. Options include ciabatta, sourdough, garlic bread, focaccia, or toasted baguette slices. Toasting the bread adds extra crunch and prevents sogginess.
• Side Salad: A light, fresh contrast to the hearty soup. Great choices include Caesar salad, arugula & Parmesan salad, Caprese, or an Italian chopped salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami depth to the soup. Use grated Parmesan for creaminess, shaved Parmesan for presentation, or simmer a Parmesan rind in the soup for extra richness.
• Additional Toppings: Enhance flavors with fresh basil, parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, red pepper flakes, or toasted pine nuts.

Healthy swaps

Pasta fazool made with chicken can be easily modified for a healthier version while maintaining its rich, comforting flavor.

• Low-Sodium Broth: Use homemade, store-bought low-sodium, or no-salt-added broth to control sodium levels while enhancing flavor with herbs, garlic, and lemon juice.
• Whole Wheat Pasta: Swap traditional ditalini for whole wheat pasta to increase fiber and nutrients, or opt for chickpea, lentil, or quinoa pasta for a gluten-free, protein-rich alternative.
• Dairy-Free Options: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast, vegan Parmesan, or cashew cream for a creamy, savory finish. Use vegetable broth or miso paste to maintain umami depth without dairy.
• Extra Veggies: Add spinach, kale, zucchini, or carrots for additional vitamins and fiber.
• Lean Protein Alternatives: Use skinless chicken breast for lower fat, or boost plant-based protein with extra beans or lentils.

FAQs

Can I make pasta fazool with chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Pasta fazool made with chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. However, to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much liquid, store it separately from the broth and add it when reheating. If the soup thickens, simply stir in extra broth or water before serving.

What type of chicken works best for pasta fazool?

The best options include rotisserie chicken (for convenience), slow-cooked shredded chicken (for flavor absorption), or freshly cooked chicken breast or thighs (for a rich broth). Bone-in chicken adds extra depth if simmered in the broth before shredding.

How do I make pasta fazool thicker or soupier?

For a thicker, stew-like consistency, use less broth, mash some beans, or let the soup simmer longer. For a brothier version, add extra chicken broth and cook the pasta separately to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?

Yes! For a gluten-free version, swap traditional pasta for chickpea, lentil, or brown rice pasta. For a dairy-free version, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast, vegan Parmesan, or cashew cream, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if needed.

Can I make pasta fazool in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Absolutely! For a slow cooker, cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, adding pasta in the last 30 minutes. For an Instant Pot, pressure cook for 10 minutes, shred the chicken, then use the Sauté function to cook the pasta for 5-6 minutes.

Conclusion

Pasta fazool made with chicken is the perfect blend of rich flavors, wholesome ingredients, and Italian comfort food at its best. This protein-packed twist on the classic dish brings a lighter yet equally satisfying experience, making it a go-to meal for cozy family dinners, meal prep, or quick weeknight meals.

Whether you prefer it thick and stew-like or brothy and light, this dish is versatile, easy to customize, and packed with nutrition. With options to make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or even in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, it’s a recipe that fits any lifestyle.

Serve it with crusty bread, a fresh salad, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for the perfect meal. However you enjoy it, this warm, comforting, and satisfying pasta fazool with chicken will quickly become a household favorite!