Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

Warm up with a bowl of homemade Pasta e Fagioli! This hearty Italian soup is packed with pasta, beans, and a rich, flavorful broth. A cozy and comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or chilly evenings. The blend of ingredients creates a unique flavor profile that warms the soul, making this dish an irresistible choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor – The combination of beans and pasta in a savory broth creates a delightful and satisfying meal.
• Easy to Prepare – With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up this dish in just about an hour.
• Versatile Meal – Serve it as a main course or alongside a salad for a complete meal.
• Healthy Ingredients – Packed with vegetables and protein-rich beans, this soup is as nutritious as it is delicious.
• Perfect for Leftovers – This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Pasta e Fagioli Recipe easier, gather the necessary tools before you start cooking. Having the right equipment on hand will streamline your process and help achieve perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven – Ideal for simmering soups evenly without scorching.
• Chef’s knife – A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements ensure your flavors are balanced.

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Ingredients

Warm up with a bowl of homemade Pasta e Fagioli! This hearty Italian soup is packed with pasta, beans, and a rich, flavorful broth. A cozy and comforting meal that’s easy to make!

For the Soup Base

• 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 2 celery ribs (finely chopped)
• 2 medium carrots (finely chopped)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)

For the Broth

• 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
• 14 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can)
• 30 ounces cannellini beans (2 cans, drained and rinsed)
• 4 cups vegetable broth

For the Pasta

• 1 cup ditalini pasta (or other small pasta)
• 2 cups chopped tuscan kale

How to Make Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, carrots, salt, and pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes until the vegetables become soft.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomatoes

Add in the garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute before adding the diced tomatoes with their juices, cannellini beans, and vegetable broth. Allow it to simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate Pasta

Add the ditalini pasta to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Stir in the chopped kale and cook until wilted.

Step 4: Serve Your Soup

Serve immediately while hot. Drizzle with extra olive oil if desired for added flavor.

Enjoy your delicious Pasta e Fagioli!

How to Serve Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

Pasta e Fagioli is a delicious and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• A warm, crusty baguette or ciabatta is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. Serve it sliced with a drizzle of olive oil.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh basil or parsley adds a burst of color and flavor. Sprinkle them on top just before serving for an aromatic touch.

Add a Sprinkle of Cheese

• A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese brings richness to the soup. If you prefer a non-dairy option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Serve with a Side Salad

• A light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the soup’s heartiness. The freshness balances the meal perfectly.

Include Olives or Antipasto

• For an Italian twist, serve olives or a small antipasto platter as a side. This adds variety and enhances the overall dining experience.

How to Perfect Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

Creating the perfect Pasta e Fagioli takes practice, but these tips will help you achieve delicious results every time.

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and good-quality broth make a significant difference in flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Cook Pasta Separately (Optional): For better texture, cook pasta separately and add it to each bowl before ladling in the soup.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking lets flavors meld together beautifully.
• Experiment with Beans: While cannellini beans are classic, feel free to try other varieties like kidney beans for different textures and tastes.
• Make It Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and store in the fridge for an easy meal.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

To round out your meal, consider these delightful side dishes that complement Pasta e Fagioli perfectly.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy bread infused with garlic butter makes a great accompaniment. Toast slices until golden brown.
2. Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction create a refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables tossed in olive oil and roasted until caramelized enhance your meal’s flavors.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices offer a hearty addition that pairs well with the soup.
5. Crispy Polenta Fries: Golden-brown polenta fries provide a crunchy texture that complements the soup’s softness.
6. Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous seasoned with herbs serves as a light side that balances the richness of Pasta e Fagioli.
7. Grilled Veggie Skewers: Colorful skewers of grilled vegetables add vibrant flavors and are fun to eat alongside your soup.
8. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy fritters made from zucchini bring an extra crunch and are loaded with flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing your Pasta e Fagioli Recipe. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Skipping the soaking: Not soaking the beans beforehand can lead to a gritty texture. Always soak dried beans overnight or use canned beans for convenience.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta too long will leave it mushy. To avoid this, cook it just until al dente since it will continue cooking in the soup.
• Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning can result in bland flavors. Taste as you go and adjust the spices according to your preference.
• Using low-quality broth: Poor-quality broth can affect the overall taste of the soup. Opt for a flavorful vegetable broth for a rich base.
• Neglecting fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add brightness to your dish. Don’t skip them; consider adding some fresh basil or parsley before serving.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Pasta e Fagioli in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

• You can freeze Pasta e Fagioli for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.

Reheating Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated through, usually about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pasta e Fagioli Recipe?

Pasta e Fagioli Recipe is a traditional Italian soup made with pasta and beans simmered in a rich broth. It’s hearty and perfect for chilly days.

Can I customize my Pasta e Fagioli Recipe?

Yes! You can add your favorite vegetables or proteins like chicken or turkey for added flavor and nutrition.

How do I make my Pasta e Fagioli Recipe vegetarian?

Simply ensure all ingredients are plant-based, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and include plenty of beans and vegetables.

Can I use different types of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While ditalini is common, feel free to use any small pasta shape you prefer.

Final Thoughts

This Pasta e Fagioli Recipe offers comfort and warmth in every bowl. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your tastes or what you have on hand. Whether enjoyed as a main dish or paired with crusty bread, it’s sure to be a hit at your table!