Pasta e Fagioli Recipe is a traditional Italian soup made with pasta and beans. Bacon and/or vegetables are frequently added for flavour. Usually made with ingredients like garlic, onions, carrots, celery, and tomatoes, the dish is filling and cosy. It’s a great example of traditional Italian cooking, in which basic ingredients are used to make a tasty and filling dish. Here, we are sharing this delicious pasta e fagioli recipe below.
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About the Pasta e Fagioli Recipe
The Italian dish known as “pasta e fagioli,” which refers to “pasta and beans,” is a significant and comforting dish. It comes from the Veneto area of Italy and is well-known for its flavorful, effortless taste throughout the country. Small pasta forms like ditalini or elbow macaroni are usually used with beans like cannellini or borlotti in this recipe.
When the beans are cooked with veggies like tomatoes, onions, and garlic, a flavorful broth is created, which becomes thicker as the pasta absorbs the flavours. There are regional variations; for added depth, some recipes call for both pancetta and bacon. Pasta e fagioli, which is typically topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, is a simple, filling, and delicious dish that defines the flavour of Italian home cuisine.
Why you’ll love this Pasta e Fagioli Recipe
- The beans provide a creamy texture and subtle flavour, while the pasta adds a hearty element.
- The broth, usually made with tomatoes, garlic, and onions, adds depth and richness.
- Easy and quick to make, it requires minimal ingredients and effort.
- The pasta e fagioli recipe is a customisable dish. You can add your favourite vegetables to this recipe.
- This dish is comfort food and a favourite for cosy meals, especially in colder weather.
- Pasta e fagioli is not only tasty but also nutritious. Beans and pasta are great sources of protein, fibre, and carbohydrates.
About the Ingredients
Beans: While cannellini beans are the most widely used type, navy or borlotti beans can also be used. Usually cooked to a soft consistency, the beans can be mashed or left whole.
Pasta: The most popular shapes include ditalini, elbow macaroni, and small shells. Either the pasta is put separately or it cooks in the soup.
Vegetables: vegetables like carrots, celery, and mushrooms will be added to the pasta e fagioli recipe.
Onion and garlic: The onion and garlic give the food its base and aromatic flavour. It takes on a sweet and fragrant flavour.
Diced Tomatoes: Give the soup its acidity and tomato flavour. This serves as the sauce for the dish, and it also gives the broth a little thickness.
Seasonings: A basic ingredient for seasoning that brings out the overall flavour of a dish is salt, pepper, and oregano.
Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving to provide some creaminess and a salty, nutty flavour.
Herbs: For depth, herbs like bay leaves, parsley, rosemary, and thyme are frequently used. These ingredients will help with the richness and colour of the sauce.
Broth: The soup’s liquid and flavour basis are usually obtained from vegetable or chicken broth. Certain recipes ask for an additional vinegar or white wine splash to add some tartness.
Ingredients for Pasta e Fagioli Recipe
- 1 cup pasta e fagioli
- 1 cup dried cannellini or borlotti beans (or 2 cans of beans, drained and rinsed)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
How to Make Pasta e Fagioli Recipe
Instructions:
1. Heat Oil: Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a big saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 diced carrot, 2 diced celery stalks, and 1 finely chopped onion to the pan and sauté until the veggies are light and softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Add the beans and tomatoes: Add one can (14.5 ounces) of chopped tomatoes together with their juice and one can (15 ounces) of washed and drained cannellini or kidney beans and cook for a few more minutes.
4. Pour in 4 cups of chicken or veggie broth along with the seasonings. Add salt and pepper to taste, along with 1/2 teaspoon dry rosemary and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Mix them together and bring to a boil.
5. Simmer After it reaches a boil, turn down the heat. Give the soup a good 15 minutes to simmer so the flavours can combine.
6. Prepare pasta: Add in 1 cup of elbow macaroni, ditalini, or tiny pasta. Cook for a further 10 minutes, or until the pasta is soft. To keep the pasta from sticking, stir continuously.
7. Seasoning: After tasting the soup, taste again and add additional salt and pepper if necessary.
8. Serve: serve pasta e fagioli in the bowl and add grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top. Enjoy your pasta e fagioli at home.
Serving Suggestions
Top the hot pasta e fagioli recipe with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a dusting of chopped parsley. pasta e fagioli is a delicious and comfort food.
Garnish with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese, and serve this homemade pasta e fagioli with juicy grilled chicken immediately after cooking while it’s hot and flavourful for a better taste and flavour.
You can also serve it with garlic bread, fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, a glass of wine, etc. Feel free to add your own personalised servings of delicious pasta and fagioli.
How to Store Pasta e Fagioli Recipe
You can store the leftover pasta e fagioli, transfer the leftover pasta into an airtight container, and cover it with aluminium foil or plastic wrap refrigerate for about 2–3 days; it will maintain its quality and flavour. Enjoy delicious pasta e fagioli at home.
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