The Pasta Fagioli Recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors that are perfect for any occasion. This hearty soup is not only comforting but also healthy and vegetarian. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal dish for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends. Plus, you can easily make it on the stove, in a crockpot, or using an Instant Pot, giving you versatility in how you cook.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 35 minutes from prep to table, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: Packed with beans and veggies, this soup is both nutritious and delicious.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main course or a side dish; it’s great for any meal.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to make this recipe your own.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping.
Tools and Preparation
To create the best Pasta Fagioli, having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: A spacious pot ensures even cooking of all ingredients without overcrowding.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware, promoting even heat distribution.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to replicating this flavorful recipe every time.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
– 1 cup diced onion
– 2 tablespoons minced garlic
– 1 cup quartered carrots
– 2 15 oz cans cooked cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
– 1 dried bay leaf
– ½ teaspoon dried basil
– ½ teaspoon dried parsley
– ½ teaspoon dried oregano
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup dry ditalini pasta
How to Make Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Carrots
Stir in the minced garlic and quartered carrots. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Add the rinsed cannellini beans, tomato sauce, bay leaf, dried basil, parsley, oregano, black pepper, red pepper flakes, vegetable broth, and water. Stir well to combine everything.
Step 4: Bring to a Boil
Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Add the dry ditalini pasta to the pot. Cover and simmer for about 10–15 minutes until the pasta is tender.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Once cooked through, remove from heat. Discard the bay leaf before serving. Enjoy your warm bowl of Pasta Fagioli!
How to Serve Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Pasta Fagioli is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy night or serving it at a gathering, these suggestions will elevate your meal.
With Crusty Bread
- Garlic Bread: Spread garlic butter on slices of bread and toast them for a crunchy side.
- French Baguette: Serve warm slices of baguette to soak up the delicious broth.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for added color and freshness.
- Basil Leaves: Add a couple of whole basil leaves just before serving for an aromatic touch.
With Grated Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan over each bowl for a rich, savory flavor.
- Vegan Cheese: Use a plant-based cheese alternative to keep it vegan while adding creaminess.
As a Main Dish
- Hearty Meal: Enjoy Pasta Fagioli as a filling main course, perfect for lunch or dinner.
How to Perfect Pasta Fagioli Recipe
To make the best Pasta Fagioli, follow these handy tips that will help you achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality broth will significantly enhance the soup’s flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go; feel free to add more herbs or spices according to your preference.
- Cook Pasta Separately: For optimal texture, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it just before serving.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Pasta Fagioli can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that complement its flavors perfectly.
- Caesar Salad: A classic salad with romaine, croutons, and Caesar dressing adds crunch and freshness.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a sweet contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients to your meal.
- Garlic Knots: Soft dough knots brushed with garlic butter are perfect for dipping in the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed bell peppers offer protein-rich goodness alongside your Pasta Fagioli.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes offers a refreshing bite before your main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Pasta Fagioli can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that many encounter. Avoid these mistakes for the best results.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Quality matters! Choose fresh vegetables and good broth for a richer flavor.
- Overcooking the pasta: Ditalini should be al dente. Add it towards the end of cooking to prevent mushiness.
- Skipping the seasoning: Don’t underestimate herbs! Enhance flavor by ensuring you measure and add spices correctly.
- Ignoring the resting time: Allowing the soup to sit enhances its flavors. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Not adjusting for dietary needs: Make it your own! Customize with gluten-free pasta or additional veggies if needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Pasta Fagioli in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Pasta Fagioli Recipe
- Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers.
- It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Pasta Fagioli Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Pasta Fagioli Recipe that may help you enjoy this dish even more.
How can I make my Pasta Fagioli more flavorful?
Adding more herbs or adjusting spices can enhance flavor. Experiment with garlic and crushed red pepper for extra kick!
Can I make a vegan version of this Pasta Fagioli Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian; just ensure your broth is plant-based, and you’re all set!
What type of pasta works best in Pasta Fagioli?
Ditalini is traditional, but any small pasta like elbow macaroni or shells can work well too.
Can I add meat to this Pasta Fagioli Recipe?
Yes! Cooked sausage or ground beef can be added for a heartier version.
Final Thoughts
This delightful Pasta Fagioli Recipe is perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with family. Its versatility allows for customization based on your preferences. Whether you choose to add veggies or swap out pastas, each bowl promises warmth and satisfaction. Try it today!
Pasta Fagioli Recipe
This Pasta Fagioli recipe is a comforting and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of beans and vegetables with the satisfying texture of pasta. Known as ‘pasta fazool’ in Italian-American cuisine, this soup is a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients that offers warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, its versatility allows for customization with your favorite veggies and spices. Whether you prepare it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or using an Instant Pot, this hearty soup is bound to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 cup quartered carrots
- 2 (15 oz) cans cooked cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup dry ditalini pasta
- various herbs and spices (bay leaf, basil, parsley, oregano, black pepper, red pepper flakes)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onions until translucent (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and quartered carrots; cook for another 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in rinsed cannellini beans, tomato sauce, bay leaf, herbs/spices, vegetable broth, and water. Mix well.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low.
- Add dry ditalini pasta; cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Remove from heat, discard bay leaf, and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
