Easy Pasta Fagioli

Typical Italian hearty winter fare done easy! The Easy Pasta Fagioli is perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep for busy weeks. This flavorful dish combines tender pasta with nutritious beans and a rich tomato broth, making it a standout option for various occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation – This recipe takes only about 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it ideal for weeknight meals.
• Hearty and Filling – Packed with protein from the beans and satisfying pasta, this dish will keep you full and satisfied.
• Versatile Serving Options – Enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish. Pair with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Flavorful Ingredients – The combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices creates a deliciously comforting flavor profile that everyone will love.
• Healthy Choice – With low calories and plenty of fiber, it’s a nutritious option that fits well into many diets.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to make the cooking process smooth. Having everything ready will help you whip up this dish effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large saucepan
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Large pot

Importance of Each Tool

• Large saucepan – Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering the broth mixture evenly.
• Cutting board – Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables, ensuring ease during preparation.
• Knife – A sharp knife aids in quickly dicing ingredients without hassle.

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Ingredients

For the Base

• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 carrot diced
• 2 stalk celery diced
• 2 thin slices onion diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic chopped

For the Broth

• 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
• 2 14-ounce chicken broth
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

For Flavoring

• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves

For Protein and Pasta

• 2 15-ounce cannellini beans drained and rinsed
• 3 cups ditalini pasta

How to Make Easy Pasta Fagioli

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add diced carrots, celery, and onions; sauté until softened.
3. Stir in the chopped garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.

Step 2: Prepare the Broth Mixture

1. Add the tomato sauce, chicken broth, freshly ground black pepper, dried parsley, and dried basil to the saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. While the broth simmers, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
2. Add ditalini pasta to boiling water; cook for approximately 8 minutes or until al dente.
3. Drain the cooked pasta when ready.

Step 4: Combine Beans and Pasta

1. Stir drained cannellini beans into the broth mixture; allow it to simmer for a few more minutes to heat through.
2. Finally, add the cooked ditalini pasta into the sauce mixture; stir well to combine all ingredients.

Now your Easy Pasta Fagioli is ready to serve! Enjoy this hearty soup with some crusty bread or fresh salad for an unforgettable meal experience.

How to Serve Easy Pasta Fagioli

Easy Pasta Fagioli is a comforting dish that warms the heart. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Cheese

• Grated Romano or Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated cheese on top for an added layer of flavor.
• Cheese Croutons: Top your soup with crunchy cheese croutons for texture and taste.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty Italian Bread: Serve with slices of crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Garlic Bread: Enjoy buttery garlic bread alongside for a flavorful pairing.

With a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette complements the hearty pasta fagioli.
• Caesar Salad: Pair with a classic Caesar salad for a creamy contrast to the soup.

How to Perfect Easy Pasta Fagioli

Perfecting Easy Pasta Fagioli is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.

• Bold flavors: Use fresh herbs like basil and parsley for vibrant taste. Dried herbs can also work well but fresh is best.
• Proper seasoning: Don’t forget to season generously with black pepper. Taste as you go!
• Cook pasta al dente: Ensure that you cook the ditalini pasta just right so it holds up in the soup without becoming mushy.
• Simmer for depth: Allow the soup to simmer longer than 20 minutes if time permits, enhancing the flavors even more.
• Use quality broth: Opt for a good quality chicken broth; it significantly impacts the overall taste of your soup.
• Customize beans: Feel free to mix in other types of beans according to your preference, adding variety and nutrition.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Pasta Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with Easy Pasta Fagioli can take your meal to another level. Here are some excellent options.

1. Garlic Knots: These soft, buttery knots are perfect for dipping into the soup.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds color and nutrients.
3. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing contrast.
4. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a tasty bite before the main course.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa provide an extra filling option.
6. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles can be served as a low-carb alternative alongside your soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make your Easy Pasta Fagioli perfect, avoid these common mistakes.

• Using stale ingredients: Always check the freshness of your vegetables and spices. Fresh ingredients lead to a tastier dish.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cook your ditalini pasta just until al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when combined with the sauce.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your soup before serving. You may need to adjust salt and pepper based on your preference.
• Skipping the simmering step: Allow your soup to simmer for at least 20 minutes. This enhances the flavors and melds the ingredients together.
• Not letting it cool before storing: Cool your Easy Pasta Fagioli completely before refrigerating or freezing. This prevents condensation and preserves quality.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep in the original cooking pot, covered with a lid, if you prefer.

Freezing Easy Pasta Fagioli

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container since liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Easy Pasta Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Pasta Fagioli.

What is Easy Pasta Fagioli?

Easy Pasta Fagioli is a comforting Italian soup made with pasta, beans, and vegetables. It’s hearty and full of flavor!

Can I customize my Easy Pasta Fagioli?

Absolutely! Add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or swap out ditalini for any small pasta shape you prefer.

How do I make Easy Pasta Fagioli vegetarian?

Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip any meat additions while keeping all other ingredients.

Is Easy Pasta Fagioli healthy?

Yes! It is packed with fiber from beans and vegetables while being low in calories. Perfect for a nutritious meal!

Final Thoughts

Easy Pasta Fagioli is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or spices according to your taste. Enjoy this hearty dish with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that warms you up on chilly days!