Pasta con Fagioli Recipe
Pasta con Fagioli
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Can opener (if using canned beans)
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 2 cups dried cannellini beans or 2 cans, drained and rinsed
- 8 oz. small pasta ditalini or similar
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 can 14 oz. diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese optional for serving
Instructions
- Method
- Prepare the Beans: If using dried beans, soak them overnight in plenty of water. The next day, drain and rinse them. If using canned beans, simply drain and rinse them.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then, add the can of diced tomatoes, including their juices, to the pot.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the soaked or canned beans, vegetable broth, dried oregano, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Cook the Pasta: In the last 10 minutes of simmering, add the pasta to the pot. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking. Cook until the pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the pasta con fagioli into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy it warm!
- Variations
- Protein Addition: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked sausage or pancetta. Simply sauté it with the vegetables in step 2.
- Vegan Option: Use vegetable broth and omit the cheese for a completely vegan dish.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Pasta con Fagioli, or pasta with beans, is a classic Italian dish that embodies comfort and heartiness. It’s not only nourishing but also incredibly versatile, perfect for any season. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a simple lunch, this dish has you covered. From my own personal experience, it’s a recipe that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table, making it a family favorite.
Let me show you how I make this delicious, flavorful dish.
Notes on What to Expect
Expect a hearty, comforting bowl of goodness that’s both nutritious and filling. The creamy beans combined with the tender pasta create a delightful texture, while the aromatic herbs infuse the dish with incredible flavor.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Time to Stand: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Cost of Ingredients: $8-$10 (depending on local prices)
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Dish
Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Can opener (if using canned beans)
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pasta con Fagioli now.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried cannellini beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
- 8 oz. small pasta (ditalini or similar)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pasta con Fagioli now.
Method
- Prepare the Beans: If using dried beans, soak them overnight in plenty of water. The next day, drain and rinse them. If using canned beans, simply drain and rinse them.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then, add the can of diced tomatoes, including their juices, to the pot.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the soaked or canned beans, vegetable broth, dried oregano, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Cook the Pasta: In the last 10 minutes of simmering, add the pasta to the pot. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking. Cook until the pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the pasta con fagioli into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy it warm!
Variations
- Protein Addition: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked sausage or pancetta. Simply sauté it with the vegetables in step 2.
- Vegan Option: Use vegetable broth and omit the cheese for a completely vegan dish.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pasta con Fagioli now.
Tips
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well, but you may need to add a little water when reheating.
- Beans: If you’re short on time, canned beans are a great shortcut! Just be sure to rinse them to reduce sodium.
Substitutions for Dietary Needs
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the pasta with gluten-free varieties, such as rice or quinoa.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and canned beans to keep the dish healthier.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 12g
Conclusion
I hope this guide has made making Pasta con Fagioli seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I love to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment!
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>