Pasta Fagioli Recipe: 5 Simple Steps for a Heartwarming Dish!

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Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Pasta Fagioli is a traditional Italian dish that combines the warmth of soup, the creaminess of beans, and the comfort of pasta. Here’s a simplified guide to making this delicious dish in just 5 simple steps.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
  • Onion – 1 medium, chopped
  • Carrots – 2 medium, diced
  • Celery – 2 stalks, chopped
  • Canned tomatoes – 2 cups, diced (or fresh tomatoes)
  • Cannellini beans – 2 cups (or any white beans)
  • Pasta – 1 cup (ditalini, elbow macaroni, or orzo)
  • Vegetable broth – 4 cups (or chicken broth)
  • Herbs – Oregano and thyme (a pinch of each)
  • Parmesan cheese – for garnish
  • Salt & pepper – to taste
Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, making sure it doesn’t burn. (Nobody likes burnt garlic! 🤢)

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth

  1. Stir in the canned tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes) and cook for about 2 minutes.
  2. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
  3. Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add Beans

  1. Drain and rinse cannellini beans (or your choice of white beans).
  2. Stir the beans into the pot and let everything simmer for an additional 10–15 minutes. The flavors will start to meld together. 😋
Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Step 4: Add the Pasta

  1. Add 1 cup of small pasta to the pot (ditalini or elbows work great).
  2. Let the pasta cook for about 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Keep an eye on it—don’t overcook! ⏲️

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

  1. Taste the soup and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
  2. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese.
  3. Optional: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle some fresh parsley. 🌿

FAQs

1. Can I make Pasta Fagioli ahead of time?

  • Yes! In fact, this soup tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to develop. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat when ready to eat. You may need to add a little extra broth.

2. Can I freeze Pasta Fagioli?

  • Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. When reheating, just add some broth if it’s thickened too much.

3. Can I use other beans?

  • Yes, you can substitute Great Northern beans, Navy beans, or even butter beans for cannellini. Each variety will bring a slightly different texture, but it’ll still be delicious!

4. Can I make this vegetarian?

  • Yes! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. If you want to add more depth, you can throw in some vegetarian sausage or leave it as is for a lighter version.

5. Can I use any type of pasta?

  • While smaller shapes like ditalini, orzo, or elbows are best, you can use whatever pasta you have. Just keep in mind that larger pasta shapes might not absorb the broth as well.

Conclusion

There you have it—Pasta Fagioli made simple! This dish is perfect for chilly nights or whenever you’re craving something hearty and filling. In just 5 easy steps, you can whip up a pot of this delicious soup that will have your friends and family asking for seconds. Don’t forget to sprinkle that Parmesan cheese on top—it’s like the cherry on the cake! 🍒

So, gather those ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and make this Pasta Fagioli recipe your go-to comfort food. Trust us, you won’t regret it! Buon appetito! 😋🍝

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