Easy Pasta Fagioli

Typical winter fare, Easy Pasta Fagioli is a comforting bowl of flavor that warms you from the inside out. This dish combines simplicity and heartiness, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Whether you’re serving it at a festive gathering or enjoying a quiet evening, this recipe stands out with its rich flavors and easy preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
• Hearty Ingredients: Packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, this dish is filling and nutritious.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main course or as an appetizer, it’s suitable for any occasion.
• Flavorful Comfort: The blend of herbs and spices creates a warm, inviting aroma that everyone will love.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it your own.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking Easy Pasta Fagioli, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth. Having everything ready will help you enjoy the experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large saucepan
• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large saucepan: Ideal for sautéing vegetables and simmering the sauce evenly.
• Large pot: Necessary for boiling pasta without overcrowding, ensuring even cooking.

Ingredients

Typical Italian hearty winter fare done easy! Serve in bowls with a grating of Romano or parmesan cheese, crusty bread and salad.

Vegetables

• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 carrot diced
• 2 stalk celery diced
• 2 thin slice onion diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic chopped

Base Ingredients

• 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
• 2 14 ounce chicken broth

Seasoning

• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves

Beans and Pasta

• 2 15 ounce cannellini beans drained and rinsed
• 3 cups ditalini pasta

How to Make Easy Pasta Fagioli

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add diced carrots, celery, and onions; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in chopped garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.

Step 2: Simmer the Sauce

1. Add tomato sauce, chicken broth, black pepper, parsley, and basil to the vegetable mixture.
2. Bring it to a gentle simmer; let it cook for about 20 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. In a large pot, bring lightly salted water to a boil.
2. Add ditalini pasta; cook for approximately 8 minutes or until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 4: Combine Beans and Pasta

1. Stir drained cannellini beans into the sauce mixture; simmer for a few more minutes.
2. Once the pasta is done cooking, add it to the sauce and bean mixture.
3. Stir well to combine all ingredients before serving.

Enjoy your warm bowl of Easy Pasta Fagioli, topped with freshly grated Romano or Parmesan cheese!

How to Serve Easy Pasta Fagioli

Easy Pasta Fagioli is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Cheese

• Grated Romano or Parmesan: A sprinkle of cheese adds a rich, savory flavor that complements the soup’s heartiness perfectly.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty Italian Bread: Serve warm, crusty bread for dipping. It soaks up the flavorful broth beautifully.

With a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the meal, providing freshness alongside the warm soup.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley or Basil: Garnish your bowl with fresh herbs to enhance aroma and taste.

As a Main Dish

• Hearty Meal Option: Enjoy Easy Pasta Fagioli as a main course by itself, perfect for colder days.

In Individual Bowls

• Personal Portions: Serve in individual bowls for a cozy and inviting presentation at dinner gatherings.

How to Perfect Easy Pasta Fagioli

To make your Easy Pasta Fagioli truly exceptional, follow these simple tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes and broth to enhance flavor.

• Experiment with Herbs: Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra depth.

• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly during cooking.

• Cook Pasta Separately: This prevents the pasta from getting mushy if there are leftovers.

• Add Greens: Incorporate spinach or kale for added nutrition and color right before serving.

• Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking can help the flavors meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Pasta Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with Easy Pasta Fagioli can enhance your meal. Here are some delightful options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, it’s perfect for mopping up soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil complement the dish nicely.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted till tender add great texture and flavor.
4. Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cheese, and cured meats provides a savory contrast.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa offer additional heartiness.
6. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomato and basil makes for a fresh appetizer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Pasta Fagioli, it’s common to encounter a few pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the sauté step: Neglecting to sauté the vegetables first can lead to a bland flavor. Always take the time to soften the carrots, celery, and onion for better taste.
• Overcooking the pasta: If you cook the ditalini pasta for too long, it can become mushy. Aim for al dente for the best texture in your soup.
• Using low-quality broth: Poor-quality chicken broth can diminish the overall taste of your Easy Pasta Fagioli. Choose a good quality broth to enhance flavors.
• Not seasoning properly: Forgetting to season with black pepper or herbs can result in a flat dish. Taste and adjust seasoning as you go along.
• Using canned beans without rinsing: Not rinsing canned cannellini beans can add excess sodium and affect flavor. Always rinse them before adding to your recipe.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating.
• Keep it away from strong-smelling foods.

Freezing Easy Pasta Fagioli

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container for expansion.
• Label with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Easy Pasta Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Easy Pasta Fagioli?

Easy Pasta Fagioli is a traditional Italian soup made with pasta and beans. It’s hearty, comforting, and simple to prepare.

Can I make Easy Pasta Fagioli vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and skip any meat products while maintaining delicious flavors.

How do I customize my Easy Pasta Fagioli?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like spinach or zucchini. You can also adjust spices according to your taste preferences.

How long does it take to prepare Easy Pasta Fagioli?

The total time is about one hour, including both prep and cooking times.

Final Thoughts

Easy Pasta Fagioli is a wonderful recipe that combines comfort and nutrition in one bowl. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal tastes. Don’t hesitate to try this delightful dish; it’s perfect for winter nights or any time you’re craving something warm and hearty!

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Easy Pasta Fagioli

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Easy Pasta Fagioli is the quintessential winter dish that warms your heart and satisfies your cravings. This Italian classic combines pasta, beans, and a medley of vegetables in a savory broth, making it both nutritious and delicious. With its rich flavors and comforting aroma, this soup is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. In just one pot, you can create a hearty meal that’s quick to prepare and easy to customize according to your taste. Serve it with a sprinkle of grated cheese and crusty bread for a delightful dining experience.

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Ingredients

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• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 diced carrots
• 2 diced celery stalks
• 1 diced onion
• 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
• 2 (15 ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 cups ditalini pasta

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté diced carrots, celery, and onions until soft; add garlic and sauté briefly.
2. Stir in tomato sauce, chicken broth, black pepper, parsley, and basil. Bring to a simmer for about 20 minutes.
3. Boil salted water in a large pot; cook ditalini pasta for approximately 8 minutes until al dente. Drain.
4. Add cannellini beans to the sauce mixture; simmer briefly before stirring in cooked pasta.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: One-pot cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 300g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 0mg