Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe

The Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe is the ultimate comfort dish for any occasion. This robust Italian soup combines beans, pasta, and fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends, this recipe showcases simplicity and rich taste. Its unique blend of herbs and hearty ingredients makes it a standout choice that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This soup is packed with protein-rich beans and pasta, making it a complete meal in itself.
• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table quickly.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even more enjoyable.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Loaded with nutrients, this dish is a healthy twist on traditional comfort food.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools for an efficient experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for simmering the soup evenly without spilling.
• Chef’s knife: Provides precision when chopping vegetables, ensuring even cooking.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.

Ingredients

A hearty, rustic Italian soup made with beans, pasta, vegetables, and herbs. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

For the Soup Base

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Flavor

• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth

For the Beans and Pasta

• 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans
• 1 cup small pasta

For Seasoning

• 1 sprig rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)
• 2 sprigs thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper

For Serving (Optional)

• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley

How to Make Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
– Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery.
– Cook until they are soft, about 5–7 minutes.
– Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Tomato Components

Next, stir in the tomato paste along with the canned diced tomatoes.
– Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 3: Incorporate Broth and Beans

Pour in your choice of chicken or vegetable broth.
– Add both cans of beans along with the rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
– Bring this mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Once boiling, reduce heat to low.
– Allow it to simmer for 20–25 minutes so flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add the small pasta into your simmering soup.
– Cook until al dente according to package instructions.

Step 6: Final Touches Before Serving

Taste your soup and adjust seasoning as needed.
– Remove herbs like rosemary and thyme if using fresh ones before serving.
– Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

This Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe will surely become a family favorite! Enjoy every warm bowlful!

How to Serve Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Serving Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli is all about enhancing its delightful flavors and rustic charm. This hearty soup can be enjoyed in various ways to suit your taste and occasion.

With Crusty Bread

• A warm, crusty baguette pairs perfectly with the soup, allowing you to soak up every delicious drop.

Topped with Parmesan

• Grating fresh Parmesan cheese over the soup adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the beans and herbs beautifully.

Garnished with Fresh Parsley

• A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh burst of flavor that brightens the dish.

Accompanied by a Green Salad

• A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup and adds a refreshing crunch.

Served in Individual Bowls

• Presenting the soup in individual bowls makes it perfect for dinner parties, allowing guests to enjoy their own serving.

Paired with Wine

• A glass of red wine, like Chianti or Sangiovese, enhances the meal’s Italian roots and elevates your dining experience.

How to Perfect Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe

To make your Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips for perfecting the recipe.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will elevate the flavors significantly compared to canned or dried versions.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper to ensure the soup is well-seasoned.

• Choose Quality Broth: A good chicken or vegetable broth will provide depth to your soup; homemade is best if you have it.

• Cook Pasta Separately: For a firmer texture, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving. This prevents it from becoming mushy.

• Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for at least 30 minutes after cooking will help meld the flavors together even more.

• Experiment with Beans: Feel free to mix different types of beans for varied textures and flavors while keeping it authentic.

Best Side Dishes for Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Pairing side dishes with Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy bread topped with garlic butter makes an irresistible accompaniment for dipping into the soup.

2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing contrast.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add texture and complement the heartiness of the soup well.

4. Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables creates a delightful starter.

5. Focaccia Bread: Soft focaccia topped with herbs is perfect for soaking up broth while adding an Italian flair.

6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa offer a healthy option that goes well alongside the soup.

7. Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with mixed greens dressed in olive oil keeps things fresh without overpowering the meal.

8. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil provides a flavorful bite that pairs wonderfully with pasta fagioli.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Ignoring the aromatics: Failing to sauté the onions, carrots, and celery can lead to a bland soup. Always start by cooking these ingredients in olive oil until they are soft.
• Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoning can make your soup taste flat. Be sure to add salt and pepper throughout the cooking process for depth of flavor.
• Overcooking the pasta: Leaving the pasta in too long can turn it mushy. Cook it al dente and remember it will continue to soften after adding it to the soup.
• Skipping fresh herbs: Dried herbs won’t offer the same brightness as fresh ones. Use fresh rosemary and thyme whenever possible for enhanced flavor.
• Neglecting texture: Not using a variety of beans can affect the texture of your soup. Cannellini and kidney beans create a nice contrast, so don’t skip either!
• Serving without garnishes: Skipping Parmesan or parsley can diminish visual appeal and flavor. Garnish each bowl before serving for a delicious finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover Pasta Fagioli in an airtight container.
• item It will last for 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe

• item Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• item It can be stored for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe

• item Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• item Microwave: Heat in short increments, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout.
• item Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe that might help clarify your cooking process.

Can I make Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based.

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni work best as they hold up well in soup.

Can I add meat to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add cooked sausage or pancetta for added protein and flavor.

How do I adjust the serving size for Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe?

To adjust servings, simply multiply or divide each ingredient proportionally based on how many servings you need.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure any broth used is also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

The Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe is not only hearty but also versatile. Its rich flavors make it perfect for cozy dinners, while its simplicity allows for numerous customizations—add your favorite vegetables or proteins! Give it a try; you’ll love how comforting and satisfying this soup is!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

The Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe is a heartwarming Italian soup that embodies comfort with every spoonful. This robust dish combines protein-rich beans, tender pasta, and an array of fresh vegetables, all simmered together in a flavorful broth infused with aromatic herbs. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or gatherings with loved ones. Easy to prepare and customizable to your taste, this hearty soup shines as a nourishing option that will delight everyone at the table. Whether you enjoy it with crusty bread or topped with Parmesan cheese, each bowl promises warmth and satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans
• 1 cup small pasta
• 1 sprig rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)
• 2 sprigs thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery until soft (5-7 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Stir in tomato paste and canned diced tomatoes. Mix well.
3. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth; add cannellini beans, kidney beans, rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes.
5. Add small pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
6. Adjust seasoning if needed. Remove herb sprigs if using fresh ones before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 13g
• Cholesterol: 0mg