Pasta Fagioli, or “pasta and beans,” is a classic Italian comfort food that combines rich, hearty beans with tender pasta in a flavorful broth. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile, and can be adjusted to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Below is the ultimate recipe to make this tasty, satisfying meal that will warm you up on chilly days and impress your friends and family.
What Is Pasta Fagioli?
Pasta Fagioli is a traditional Italian soup made with pasta, beans, and vegetables in a savory broth. The name comes from the Italian words “pasta” (meaning pasta) and “fagioli” (meaning beans). The dish is usually made with small pasta shapes such as ditalini or elbow macaroni, combined with beans like cannellini, kidney, or borlotti. The broth can vary, with some recipes being broth-based while others are thicker, almost like a stew.
Ingredients
To make the ultimate Pasta Fagioli, you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) of cannellini beans (or any white beans)
- 1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, elbow, or small shells)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. This step adds a great depth of flavor to the soup base.
2. Add the Beans and Tomatoes
Once the vegetables are tender, add the beans (drained and rinsed), diced tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, oregano, and basil to the pot. Stir to combine. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Cook the Pasta
While the soup is simmering, cook the pasta separately in a pot of salted water according to the package directions. Be sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue cooking in the soup later. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
4. Blend for Creaminess (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker, creamier soup, use an immersion blender to blend about half of the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can transfer about half of the soup to a blender and puree it, then return it to the pot. This step adds a creamy texture without needing any cream.
5. Combine Pasta and Soup
Add the cooked pasta into the soup pot and stir to combine. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes so the pasta absorbs some of the broth’s flavors.
6. Final Touches
Once everything is combined and heated through, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf and stir in the fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve with a side of crusty bread for the perfect meal.
Tips for the Perfect Pasta Fagioli:
- Beans: You can use any type of beans you like, but cannellini beans are traditional. You can also mix and match, such as using a combination of cannellini and kidney beans.
- Pasta: If you want a more rustic feel, break up larger pasta into smaller pieces before adding it to the soup.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to sneak in extra veggies, like spinach or zucchini, for added nutrition.
Conclusion
Pasta Fagioli is the ultimate comfort food, filled with nutritious beans, hearty vegetables, and tender pasta, all in a flavorful broth. It’s the kind of dish that brings warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. Whether you’re making it for a family meal or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
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