Authentic Pasta e Fagioli

This Authentic Pasta e Fagioli recipe is a delightful homage to classic Italian comfort food, skillfully blending simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying dish. Often referred to as “pasta and beans,” this hearty soup is a staple in Italian households, cherished for its nourishing qualities and robust flavors.

The combination of tender cannellini beans, vibrant tomatoes, and fragrant herbs creates a savory broth that envelops the spinach pasta, resulting in a comforting and fulfilling meal.

Perfect for cozy family dinners or as a warming lunch on a chilly day, this recipe brings the authentic taste of Italy to your table, inviting you to savor each spoonful with a crusty slice of bread or alongside a fresh salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Authentic Pasta e Fagioli recipe offers a comforting and flavorful experience that appeals to both the heart and the palate. Here are several reasons why it is sure to be loved by many:

Comfort and Tradition

Pasta e Fagioli is a quintessential example of Italian comfort food that has been passed down through generations. Its roots in Italian culinary tradition make it a beloved dish that evokes a sense of warmth and nostalgia. People often appreciate foods that connect them to cultural heritage and family traditions.

Simple, Wholesome Ingredients

The recipe utilizes simple, wholesome ingredients such as cannellini beans, tomatoes, and spinach pasta, making it both accessible and nutritious. These ingredients come together to create a dish that is hearty and satisfying without being overly complicated or reliant on processed foods.

Flavorful and Rich

The combination of garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning infuses the dish with a rich, savory flavor profile. The addition of crushed red pepper flakes provides a subtle kick that complements the sweetness of tomatoes and the creaminess of beans, making each bite a delightful blend of tastes.

Versatile and Customizable

This recipe is highly versatile, allowing for customization based on personal preferences or dietary needs. For instance, you can adjust the spice level, use different types of pasta, or incorporate additional vegetables. This adaptability ensures it can cater to varying tastes and dietary restrictions.

Perfect for All Occasions

Pasta e Fagioli is ideal for a range of occasions, from a cozy family dinner to a casual gathering with friends. Its comforting nature makes it a go-to choice for chilly days, while its hearty composition ensures it satisfies hunger effectively.

Ease of Preparation

With straightforward instructions and minimal preparation time, this recipe is accessible to cooks of all skill levels. The simplicity of the cooking process makes it an excellent choice for busy individuals who want to prepare a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Balanced Nutrition

This dish offers a balanced nutritional profile, combining protein from beans, fiber from vegetables, and carbohydrates from pasta. This makes it a nourishing option that provides sustained energy and fullness.

Complements Well with Other Dishes

Pasta e Fagioli pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments, such as crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. This makes it easy to create a complete and satisfying meal that pleases a crowd.

Key Ingredients:

Cannellini Beans: These creamy, mild-flavored beans are a staple in Italian cooking, providing protein and a hearty texture that forms the backbone of the soup.

Spinach Pasta: Adds a nutritious twist with its vibrant color and flavor, complementing the other ingredients while offering a satisfying bite.

Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: Fresh tomatoes and sauce contribute a rich, tangy base, infusing the soup with depth and a slightly sweet undertone.

Celery and Onion: These aromatic vegetables form the foundational flavors, offering a savory depth that enhances the overall taste profile.

Garlic and Italian Seasoning: Infuse the dish with classic Italian flavors, creating an aromatic and savory backdrop that elevates each component.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Add a touch of heat, bringing a subtle kick that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and richness of the beans.

How to make Authentic Pasta e Fagioli

Ingredients

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 onion, chopped

2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped

1 can of cannellini beans, with the liquid

1 tbsp olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tsp dried parsley

1 tsp Italian seasoning

¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

8 ounces of tomato sauce

14 ½ ounces chicken broth

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup uncooked spinach pasta

Instructions

In a large saucepan or dutch oven, heat the olive oil and add in the celery and onions

Cook until onions are translucent

Add in the seasonings and cook for 5 minutes

Add the tomato sauce, the chicken broth and tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes

Add pasta and cook for 15 minutes or until pasta is al dente

Add the can of beans with juice, stir to combine and heat through

Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese before serving

Can be served with bread sticks or a crusty slice of bread.

Pasta can also be cooked separately and placed in the bowl prior to the soup, this will prevent soggy mushy pasta in the leftovers.

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Serve with a sandwich, roasted vegetables or any type of salad.

Enjoy!

Notes:

Classic Italian Comfort: Pasta e Fagioli, meaning “pasta and beans” in Italian, is a beloved Italian soup known for its comforting and hearty nature.

Simple Ingredients, Rich Flavor: This recipe utilizes simple, pantry-friendly ingredients like beans, tomatoes, and pasta, yet it delivers a rich and satisfying flavor profile.

Vegetable Base: The soup starts with a flavorful base of celery, onions, and garlic sautéed in olive oil, providing depth and aroma to the dish.

Beans and Pasta: Cannellini beans add creaminess and protein to the soup, while spinach pasta adds color and texture, making it a wholesome and balanced meal.

Herbs and Spices: Dried parsley, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes infuse the soup with classic Italian flavors, enhancing its authenticity.

Tomato-Based Broth: The combination of tomato sauce and chicken broth creates a robust and savory broth that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Adjustable Seasoning: Salt and pepper are added to taste, allowing for customization based on personal preference.

Garnish with Parmesan: Sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a salty and nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup.

Serving Suggestions: This soup can be served with breadsticks or crusty bread for dipping, and it pairs well with sandwiches, roasted vegetables, or salads for a complete meal.

Cooking Tips: Cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual servings prevents it from becoming soggy when stored as leftovers, ensuring a better texture and taste when reheated.

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use dried beans instead of canned cannellini beans?

Yes, you can use dried beans, but they will require additional preparation.

Soak the dried cannellini beans overnight, then cook them until tender before adding them to the soup.

This will add a bit more cooking time, but it can enhance the flavor and texture of the beans.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian, simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.

For a vegan version, ensure that the pasta does not contain eggs, and omit the parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative for garnish.

How can I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy in leftovers?

To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy when storing leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual servings just before eating.

Alternatively, undercook the pasta slightly when preparing the dish initially, as it will continue to soften in the soup.

Can I add meat to this recipe?

Yes, you can add meat for extra protein and flavor.

Ground beef, Italian sausage, or pancetta are popular choices.

Brown the meat in the saucepan before adding the other ingredients to incorporate additional richness into the soup.

What are some suitable side dishes to serve with Pasta e Fagioli?

Pasta e Fagioli pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

Consider serving it with crusty bread or breadsticks for dipping, a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple sandwich.

These sides complement the hearty, savory nature of the soup and round out the meal.

What type of pasta is best for Pasta e Fagioli?

While spinach pasta is recommended for its color and flavor, you can use any small pasta shape, such as ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells.

These shapes hold up well in the soup and mix nicely with the beans and broth.

How can I enhance the flavor of the soup?

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a bay leaf while simmering the soup.

Additionally, using fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of dried can add a more vibrant taste.

Seasoning with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt just before serving can also elevate the dish.

How do I adjust the consistency of the soup?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon or blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender.

If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more broth or water until the desired thickness is achieved.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, Pasta e Fagioli can be made ahead of time.

Prepare the soup without the pasta, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup when reheating to maintain its texture.

This method ensures that the pasta doesn’t become overly soft.

How can I add more vegetables to the recipe?

You can easily add more vegetables to this soup for extra nutrition and flavor.

Consider incorporating diced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers when sautéing the onions and celery.

Spinach or kale can also be added in the last few minutes of cooking for added greens.