Pasta and Beans Recipe Guide

Pasta e Fagioli, or Pasta and Beans, is an iconic Italian dish, often associated with rustic, hearty meals. It is commonly found in homes all over Italy, with slight regional variations. From my own personal experience, this dish is perfect for cozy, cold days when you crave something comforting. It’s a blend of beans, pasta, and vegetables simmered together to create a thick, creamy texture that’s both filling and flavorful.

Let me show you how I make Pasta e Fagioli, the authentic way, often with borlotti beans, and how you can adapt it based on what you have in your pantry.

Notes on What to Expect:

Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty and comforting meal. The beans will give you a creamy texture, and the pasta adds substance. You’ll get a lovely, fragrant aroma from the rosemary and olive oil that infuses the dish. It can be made ahead and even tastes better the next day after the flavors have had more time to develop.

Ingredients:

• For the beans:
  • 1 ¼ cups (200 grams) dried borlotti beans
  • 1 teaspoon salt
• For the pasta e fagioli:
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ⅓ cup finely chopped onion
  • ⅓ cup peeled and finely chopped carrot
  • ⅓ cup chopped celery
  • 2 ounces (60 grams) finely chopped pancetta
  • 1 cup tomato puree or passata
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 ⅔ cup (200 grams) ditalini pasta or other short pasta
  • Fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
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Prep Time:

• Soaking Time for beans: 8 hours
• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes

Total Time:

• About 9 hours (including soaking time)

Servings:

• This recipe serves 4.

Equipment Needed:

• Large pot for cooking beans
• Skillet or medium saucepan for sautéing vegetables
• Ladle for serving
• A chopping board and knife
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Method:

1. Soak the Beans: Start by soaking your borlotti beans in plenty of water for about 8 hours, or overnight. This step is important for softening the beans and enhancing their flavor.
2. Cook the Beans: Drain the soaked beans and place them in a large pot with fresh water. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer gently for about 1 hour or until the beans are tender. Add a teaspoon of salt in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
3. Prepare the Base: In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook them until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Pancetta and Tomato: Stir in the pancetta (optional for a richer flavor), then add the tomato puree. Let this simmer together for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Combine with Beans: Once your beans are tender, add them (along with some of their cooking liquid) to the skillet with the vegetable mixture. Add more water or broth if needed to get your desired consistency.
6. Cook the Pasta: Stir in the pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Add a sprig of rosemary for fragrance.
7. Serve: Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Top with grated Parmigiano Reggiano for an extra touch of flavor.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the pancetta for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly dish. You can add more vegetables like potatoes or spinach for added texture and flavor.
• Different Beans: You can swap out borlotti beans for cannellini or kidney beans if that’s what you have available.
• Vegan Version: For a vegan version, omit the pancetta and cheese, and use vegetable broth instead of water for more depth.
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Tips & Substitutions:

• If you’re short on time, use canned beans (2 cans, drained and rinsed) to speed up the process.
• For a richer, creamier texture, blend a portion of the beans and broth before adding the pasta.
• To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Protein: 15-20g (depending on the amount of beans and pasta)
• Carbs: 40g
• Fat: 12g

I hope this guide has made making Pasta e Fagioli seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before? Please be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I love hearing feedback from real people like you, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts!