Pasta E Fagioli Hearty Italian Comfort
Table of Contents
- Recipe Introduction
- Diving into the Delightful Depths of Pasta e Fagioli
- What You'll Need to Make Your Pasta e Fagioli Sing
- Easy Swaps and Pasta e Fagioli variations
- Ingredients & Equipment: Your Pasta e Fagioli Toolkit
- Cooking Method: Mastering the Art of Pasta e Fagioli
- Recipe Notes: Your Secret Weapons for Pasta e Fagioli Perfection
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever craved a hug in a bowl? Honestly, Pasta e Fagioli is exactly that! This hearty Italian bean soup is packed with flavour and oh-so-comforting.
We're talking about creamy beans, tender pasta, and a savory broth.
Brief Overview
Pasta e Fagioli , a beloved member of Traditional Italian Dishes , hails from humble beginnings. It's peasant food at its finest.
This Easy Pasta e Fagioli recipe is beginner friendly, taking about an hour to make. It serves six hungry people.
Main Benefits
This Pasta e Fagioli recipe is not only delicious but also packed with fiber and protein. It's also a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies.
Serve it on a chilly evening or whenever you need a little taste of Italy. What makes this special? That creamy texture.
It comes from using one can of undrained beans.
Diving into the Delightful Depths of Pasta e Fagioli
This isn't your average soup. It's Healthy Creamy Pasta Fagioli which is something that my Nonna used to make. I've tweaked it over the years.
It is the perfect dish for when you want something comforting, but also relatively quick to whip up. Trust me, once you try this, you'll be hooked.
What You'll Need to Make Your Pasta e Fagioli Sing
Grab your ingredients! You need olive oil, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and herbs. Cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, and broth are also crucial.
Don't forget Ditalini pasta recipes (or any small pasta). Parsley, parmesan, and red wine vinegar round it out. These ingredients create flavour and texture.
Easy Swaps and Pasta e Fagioli variations
Not a fan of Parmesan? No worries. Nutritional yeast works wonders for a cheesy flavor. Trying to make a Vegan Pasta e Fagioli ? Just skip the parmesan and use vegetable broth.
You can also add some spice with red pepper flakes if that's your vibe. There is so much freedom in the Pasta e Fagioli Soup Vegetarian style.
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Pasta e Fagioli Toolkit
Let's talk Pasta e Fagioli , yeah? It's one of those traditional Italian dishes that just screams comfort food. My Nonna used to make it every Sunday, and honestly, the smell alone is enough to send me back to my childhood.
You know?
The best part is, you don't need a ton of fancy equipment to whip up a pot of this goodness.
It's proper easy, even if you're not a seasoned chef. Here's what you'll need to get started on this Easy Pasta e Fagioli .
Main Ingredients for the Best Pasta e Fagioli Recipe
Right, let's gather the troops. This Pasta e Fagioli recipe hinges on fresh ingredients, so try to grab the best you can find.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ). A good quality extra virgin olive oil makes a difference!
- Onion: 1 medium , finely diced. A yellow onion is great, but white works too.
- Carrots: 2 medium , peeled and finely diced. Look for firm carrots with a bright color.
- Celery: 2 stalks , finely diced. The crunchier, the better.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Freshly minced is always best, trust me.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ). This is a must have for that Italian flavor.
- Dried Rosemary: ½ teaspoon , crushed ( 2.5 ml ). Crushing it releases the aroma.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch (optional). Add a touch for a little warmth!
- Cannellini Beans: 1 (15-ounce/425g) can , rinsed and drained, plus 1 (15-ounce/425g) can, undrained ! This is the key to Healthy Creamy Pasta Fagioli .
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5-ounce/411g) can , undrained. Don't drain them, you want that juice!
- Vegetable Broth: 6 cups ( 1.4 liters ). Go for low sodium if you can.
- Bay Leaf: 1 . Adds a subtle depth of flavor.
- Ditalini Pasta: ½ cup ( 120 ml ). Small pasta is best! If you can't find Ditalini, small elbow macaroni or shells will do. Check out these Ditalini pasta recipes for inspiration!
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons , chopped ( 30 ml ), for garnish. Fresh parsley really brightens it up.
- Parmesan Cheese: For serving (optional). A little grated Parmesan is always welcome.
- Red Wine Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) for a tanginess.
Seasoning Notes: Italian Magic
For that authentic Italian taste, oregano and rosemary are crucial. Don't skip them! A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick.
You can sub dried basil for oregano in a pinch.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
Honestly, you don't need much.
- A large pot or Dutch oven is essential.
- A cutting board and knife for chopping those veggies.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Honestly, for the pot, anything that holds a decent amount of soup will do the trick. If you don't have a fancy Dutch oven, don't sweat it.
So, there you have it! Now that you have the lowdown on ingredients and the necessary equipment for Pasta e Fagioli , let's get cooking! Trust me, even if you are looking for Pasta E Fagioli Soup Vegetarian or Vegan Pasta e Fagioli , this base recipe is perfect.
If you're looking for How To Make Pasta Fagiole keep reading!.
Cooking Method: Mastering the Art of Pasta e Fagioli
Hey there, pasta lovers! Ever crave a bowl of pure Italian comfort? I do, and that's where this Pasta e Fagioli recipe comes in.
It's a classic, a hug in a bowl, and honestly, way easier to make than you might think. My grandma used to whip this up on cold evenings, and now I'm sharing her secrets.
.. with a few of my own twists, of course. This Traditional Italian Dish is so easy and cheap, is hard to believe how good it tastes.
According to Statista, "In 2022, approximately 4.27 million Americans used 6 or more packages of dry pasta". Pasta is the love and everyone is doing it.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Pro
First things first: let's get organized! This is your mise en place , your secret weapon. Dice 1 medium yellow onion, 2 medium carrots, and 2 celery stalks.
Mince 2 cloves of garlic. Open your cans of cannellini beans. Get your herbs ready: 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 0.
5 teaspoon of dried rosemary. Honestly, the prep is half the battle. It's a small price to pay for a Healthy Creamy Pasta Fagioli .
Safety first! Keep that knife sharp and watch your fingers.
step-by-step: From Humble Ingredients to Hearty Soup
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Add your onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, around 5- 7 minutes .
- Garlic and Herbs: Add your minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 0.5 teaspoon of dried rosemary. Cook for another minute until fragrant. This is where the magic happens.
- Beans, Tomatoes, and Broth: Add one (15-ounce/425g) can of undrained cannellini beans, and one (15-ounce/425g) can of drained cannellini beans. Then add one (14.5-ounce/411g) can of diced tomatoes (juice and all), 6 cups of vegetable broth, and 1 bay leaf.
- Simmer Time: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes .
- Pasta Power: Add 0.5 cup of ditalini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8- 10 minutes . Stir it to prevent sticking.
- Season and Finish: Take out the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar for a bit of tang.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Pasta e Fagioli Game
- Creamy Secret: The undrained can of cannellini beans is key! It makes the soup super creamy without adding any cream.
- Pasta Timing: Add the pasta towards the end. Overcooked pasta is a tragedy. I have had a few tragedies.
- Leftovers are GOLD: This soup tastes even better the next day! The flavors meld together beautifully. Serve warm. This Italian bean soup will become a regular in your household. Enjoy the Pasta e Fagioli variations . You can totally adapt this to your dietary needs and do a Vegan Pasta e Fagioli version.
Okay, let's jazz up the Pasta e Fagioli recipe with some seriously helpful notes. You got this!
Recipe Notes: Your Secret Weapons for Pasta e Fagioli Perfection
Honestly, making this Easy Pasta e Fagioli is a breeze. But, a few tips can take it from "meh" to "OMG, this is amazing!". Here's the lowdown.
Serving Suggestions: Making it a Meal
Okay, so you've got this beautiful bowl of Italian bean soup . How do you make it pop ? First, presentation. A swirl of good olive oil and fresh parsley? Chef's kiss!
For sides, think rustic. Crusty bread is essential for scarpetta you know, sopping up every last bit. A simple salad cuts through the richness.
If you're feeling fancy, a glass of Chianti? Perfetto ! You know, some Traditional Italian Dishes call for it.
Storage Tips: Making it Last (If It Does!)
Leftover Pasta e Fagioli ? Lucky you! It honestly tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing? Yeah, you can. The pasta might get a little softer, but it's still delish. Just let it cool completely first. Reheat gently on the stove. Low and slow, baby.
Variations: Your Pasta e Fagioli, Your Way
This Pasta e Fagioli recipe is super adaptable. Want a Vegan Pasta e Fagioli ? Easy peasy! Just skip the Parmesan. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavour if you miss it.
What about making it even healthier? Use whole wheat ditalini pasta recipes for an extra fiber boost. Feel free to add more veggies for a Healthy Creamy Pasta Fagioli , too!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
Okay, let's keep it real simple. This soup is packed with fiber from the beans and veggies. That means good stuff for your gut and keeps you full.
It's also a decent source of protein. I am pretty sure that How To Make Pasta Fagiole does not get better and easier than this.
So there you have it! Pasta e Fagioli variations are almost endless. Now, go get cooking and create something special. You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Pasta e Fagioli, anyway? Is it just pasta with beans?
Pasta e Fagioli, or "pasta and beans" in Italian, is so much more than just a simple combination! It's a hearty, rustic soup that's been a staple in Italian kitchens for generations. Think of it as Italy's answer to chicken noodle soup pure comfort in a bowl, packed with flavor and good for-you ingredients.
My Pasta e Fagioli turned out watery. How do I get that nice, thick, comforting consistency?
Ah, the dreaded watery soup! The secret lies in the beans. This recipe calls for one can of beans to be undrained that starchy liquid is your thickening agent. If it's still too thin, you can blend a cup or two of the soup (beans and all) before adding the pasta for a creamier texture.
Some people like to add a parmesan rind to the soup whilst simmering to thicken it up and add flavor!
Can I make Pasta e Fagioli ahead of time? Does it keep well?
Absolutely! In fact, Pasta e Fagioli is often even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be aware that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.
So it is better to cook the pasta separately and add it in when reheating!
I'm vegetarian/vegan. Can I still enjoy Pasta e Fagioli?
You bet! This Pasta e Fagioli recipe is easily adaptable. Just be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To keep it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese garnish. Some people like to add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a "cheesy" flavor.
You could also add some more herbs like basil or some vegan pesto to add some extra flavour!
What kind of pasta is best for Pasta e Fagioli, and can I substitute it?
Ditalini is the classic choice those little tube shaped pasta pieces are perfect for scooping up with the beans. However, don't feel like you need to trek all the way to Sainsburys! Other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, small shells, or even broken spaghetti will work just fine.
The key is to choose a pasta that cooks relatively quickly and won't overpower the soup.
I'm watching my sodium intake. Is there anything I can do to reduce the sodium in this Pasta e Fagioli recipe?
Great question! The biggest sodium culprit is usually the broth. Opt for low-sodium or no-salt added broth. You can also rinse the canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium. Taste as you go and add salt sparingly, relying more on fresh herbs and a touch of red wine vinegar to brighten the flavors.
The red wine vinegar will really help reduce the need for salt!
Pasta E Fagioli Hearty Italian Comfort
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 300 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 10g |