Pasta Fagioli
Pasta Fagioli is a traditional Italian dish that brings together the comforting flavors of pasta and beans in a savory broth. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a satisfying meal. With its simple ingredients and rich taste, Pasta Fagioli is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that promises to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
– 1 cup ditalini pasta
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup water
– 1 carrot, diced
– 1 celery stalk, diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, and cooking time is about 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cup) contains approximately 250 calories, 10g protein, 40g carbohydrates, 5g fat, and 6g fiber. This nutritional breakdown is based on a single serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery; sauté until softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add diced tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, and water.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil; then reduce heat and simmer.
6. Add cannellini beans and season with salt and pepper.
7. Simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
8. Stir in ditalini pasta and cook until al dente.
9. Adjust seasoning as needed.
10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute ditalini pasta with any small pasta, such as elbow macaroni or small shells. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Additionally, feel free to incorporate other beans like kidney or black beans for a different flavor profile.
Serving and Pairings
Pasta Fagioli pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top enhances the dish’s flavor. It also goes well with a glass of red wine for a complete Italian experience.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Pasta Fagioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months, but the pasta may lose some texture upon thawing.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using too much salt; always taste before adding more.
- Overcooking the pasta; it should be al dente.
- Not sautéing the vegetables long enough for flavor.
- Using canned beans without rinsing; this can add excess sodium.
- Skipping fresh herbs; they elevate the flavor significantly.
Helpful Tips
- For richer flavor, use homemade broth.
- Experiment with adding different vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
- Make a double batch for easy leftovers.
- Let the soup sit for a while to enhance the flavors.
FAQs
What is Pasta Fagioli?
Pasta Fagioli is a traditional Italian soup made with pasta and beans. It is often enriched with vegetables and flavored with herbs, providing a hearty and nutritious meal.
Can I make Pasta Fagioli vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth and ensure that all other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
How can I thicken Pasta Fagioli?
To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the beans before adding them or include a bit of flour or cornstarch mixed with water.
Is Pasta Fagioli healthy?
Absolutely! Pasta Fagioli is packed with protein from beans and can be made nutrient-rich with plenty of vegetables, making it a wholesome meal.
Can I freeze Pasta Fagioli?
Yes, you can freeze Pasta Fagioli for up to two months. However, the pasta may become softer upon reheating, so consider adding fresh pasta when reheating if desired.
Conclusion
Pasta Fagioli is more than just a dish; it’s a comforting bowl of tradition that brings warmth and satisfaction. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this recipe is perfect for family meals or cozy nights in. Enjoy the delightful experience of making and sharing this Italian classic!
Pasta Fagioli
Ingredients
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 can 15 oz cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 carrot diced
- 1 celery stalk diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery; sauté until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add diced tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil; then reduce heat and simmer.
- Add cannellini beans and season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Stir in ditalini pasta and cook until al dente.
- Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
