The Pasta Fagioli Recipe is a comforting, hearty soup that combines the richness of beans and pasta with vibrant vegetables. This dish is perfect for cozy dinners and gatherings, offering a healthy vegetarian option that everyone will love. With its easy preparation methods—whether on the stove, in a crockpot, or using an instant pot—this recipe stands out for its versatility and delightful flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 35 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fiber-rich beans and fresh veggies, this soup is both satisfying and good for you.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer traditional stovetop cooking or the convenience of a slow cooker or instant pot, this recipe fits your needs.
- Flavorful Ingredients: A blend of herbs and spices elevates the taste, offering a rich flavor profile in every spoonful.
- Feeds a Crowd: Perfectly portioned for six servings, it’s great for family meals or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make the preparation smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering your soup evenly while accommodating all ingredients.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware, ensuring all flavors meld together beautifully.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 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
For the Sauce
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 dried bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
For Seasoning & Broth
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
For the Pasta
- 1 cup dry ditalini pasta
How to Make Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by prepping your vegetables. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and quarter your carrots. Rinse and drain the cannellini beans. Set everything aside in an organized manner.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, sauté the diced onion until translucent (about 3–4 minutes). Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Next, incorporate quartered carrots into the pot. Stir them along with onions and garlic to soften slightly (around 5 minutes).
Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Add rinsed cannellini beans, tomato sauce, bay leaf, basil, parsley, oregano, black pepper, red pepper flakes, vegetable broth, and water. Stir everything together well.
Step 5: Simmer
Bring your mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 6: Cook Pasta
After simmering time is complete, stir in dry ditalini pasta. Cook uncovered until pasta is al dente (approximately 8–10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
Step 7: Serve
Remove bay leaf before serving. Ladle hot soup into bowls and enjoy! This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Enjoy making this delicious Pasta Fagioli Recipe that’s sure to impress at any gathering!
How to Serve Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Pasta Fagioli is a heartwarming dish that can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Whether you are serving it as a cozy meal or at a gathering, these suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread for dipping. The buttery flavor complements the soup perfectly.
- Baguette Slices: Opt for toasted baguette slices to add some crunch alongside the creamy soup.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
- Basil Leaves: Add fresh basil leaves to enhance the aromatic quality of the dish.
As a Meal Starter
- Small Bowls: Serve smaller portions in bowls before the main course to whet the appetite.
- Appetizer Cups: Use mini cups for individual servings at parties or gatherings.
Garnished with Cheese
- Parmesan Shavings: Top each bowl with shavings of Parmesan cheese for added richness.
- Feta Crumbles: For a different twist, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese over the soup.
How to Perfect Pasta Fagioli Recipe
To make your Pasta Fagioli truly stand out, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure you achieve the best flavors and textures.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. They bring out vibrant flavors that canned ingredients can’t match.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you cook! You may want to adjust salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
- Experiment with Pasta Shapes: While ditalini is traditional, feel free to try other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or shell pasta.
- Add Leafy Greens: Stir in some spinach or kale toward the end of cooking for extra nutrients and color.
- Cook Low and Slow: If using a slow cooker, let it simmer longer for deeper flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Pairing side dishes enhances your meal’s overall experience. Here are some great options that complement Pasta Fagioli wonderfully.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds freshness and crunch to balance the hearty soup.
- Caprese Salad: This classic Italian salad offers vibrant flavors through tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a nutritious and colorful side option.
- Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice or quinoa for an additional filling choice that pairs well with Pasta Fagioli.
- Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, cured meats, and cheeses can create a delightful appetizer spread before enjoying the soup.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and herbs makes a flavorful accompaniment that contrasts nicely with the soup’s texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Pasta Fagioli can be simple, but there are common missteps that can lead to disappointment. Here are some mistakes to watch for.
- Skipping the seasoning: Many people forget to properly season their dish. Always taste and adjust spices to enhance flavor.
- Overcooking the pasta: If you cook the pasta too long, it becomes mushy. Add it during the last few minutes of cooking for perfect texture.
- Using low-quality broth: The broth is the base of flavor. Opt for a good-quality low sodium vegetable broth for best results.
- Not rinsing beans: Canned beans should be rinsed to remove excess sodium and improve taste. Always give them a good rinse before adding.
- Neglecting fresh ingredients: Using fresh garlic and onions makes a significant difference in flavor. Choose fresh over dried when possible.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing Pasta Fagioli Recipe
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Pasta Fagioli Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat until warm.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot and heat over medium until warmed, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this delicious Pasta Fagioli recipe.
What is a Pasta Fagioli Recipe?
Pasta Fagioli is a hearty Italian soup made with pasta and beans. It’s comforting, filling, and easy to make.
Can I make this Pasta Fagioli Recipe vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan as it uses vegetable broth and no animal products.
How do I customize my Pasta Fagioli Recipe?
You can add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition or swap ditalini pasta for another shape you prefer.
Can I use different types of beans in my Pasta Fagioli Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute cannellini beans with kidney beans or chickpeas based on your preference.
How long does it take to prepare this Pasta Fagioli Recipe?
The total time for this recipe is about 35 minutes including prep and cooking time.
Final Thoughts
This Pasta Fagioli recipe is not only easy to make but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices. Enjoy this comforting soup that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Pasta Fagioli is a delightful and hearty Italian soup that marries the comforting flavors of pasta and beans with an array of vibrant vegetables. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, taking just 35 minutes from prep to table. It’s not only quick and easy to make but also offers a healthy, vegetarian option that everyone will love. Whether you prepare it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or an instant pot, this versatile dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. With its rich blend of spices and fresh ingredients, each bowl delivers warmth and satisfaction, making it an ideal choice for cozy dinners or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 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
- 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
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent, then add minced garlic.
- Stir in quartered carrots and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add rinsed cannellini beans, tomato sauce, bay leaf, herbs, black pepper, vegetable broth, and water; stir well.
- Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in dry ditalini pasta and cook uncovered until al dente (8–10 minutes).
- Remove bay leaf before serving and enjoy hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
