Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

This hearty Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends. With its rich tomato broth, tender pasta, and flavorful beans, this dish brings the warmth of Italy to your table in just about 40 minutes. It’s not only easy to make but also versatile enough to suit various occasions—from weeknight meals to special family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights.
• One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy the simplicity of cooking everything in one pot, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein from beans and ground beef, along with vitamins from fresh vegetables, this dish is both hearty and nutritious.
• Flavorful: The combination of Italian seasoning, garlic, and tomatoes creates a rich and comforting broth that everyone will love.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or substitute different types of beans based on what you have on hand.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your cooking process and enhance your overall experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Slotted spoon
• Chopping knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for cooking the entire dish in one place. It allows for even heating and prevents splatter.
• Slotted spoon: Useful for removing cooked beef without taking excess liquid. It helps keep your broth balanced.
• Chopping knife: Essential for dicing vegetables quickly and efficiently, ensuring even cooking.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients safely.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounce) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup uncooked ditalini
• Kosher salt, to taste
• fresh cracked pepper, to taste
• grated Parmesan, for garnish
• fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

How to Make Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, crumbling with a spatula until browned and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beef and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Reduce heat without wiping out the pan. Add onion, carrots, and celery along with salt and pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste to the pot. Cook while stirring frequently for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, dark red kidney beans, chicken stock, uncooked ditalini, cooked ground beef, and additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to medium or medium-low. Allow it to gently simmer for about 5 minutes or until the pasta is tender yet al dente.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Taste your soup before serving; season with more salt and pepper if desired. Serve garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Step 7: Enjoy!

If you loved this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating and review below!

How to Serve Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

This Italian Pasta Fagioli recipe is not only hearty but also versatile when it comes to serving. You can pair it with various accompaniments to enhance the meal experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping into the rich broth, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

Fresh Salad

• A light green salad with a vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the warm pasta fagioli, balancing flavors beautifully.

Grated Cheese

• Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top just before serving. It adds creaminess and enhances the overall taste of the soup.

Lemon Wedges

• Offer lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish and elevates its flavor profile.

Olive Oil Drizzle

• A drizzle of high-quality olive oil over the finished dish adds richness and depth, making each bite even more delightful.

How to Perfect Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

To achieve an exceptional Italian Pasta Fagioli recipe, consider these simple yet effective tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and texture of your soup.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go; adjusting salt and pepper guarantees that your dish is well-seasoned.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy in the broth as it continues to absorb liquid.
• Let It Rest: Allowing your dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking lets flavors meld together beautifully.
• Experiment with Beans: Feel free to mix different types of beans according to your preference for added variety and texture.
• Add Greens: Stir in some spinach or kale just before serving for extra nutrients and color.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Pairing your Italian Pasta Fagioli recipe with complementary side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy bread topped with garlic butter is perfect for scooping up this hearty soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes create a colorful and flavorful salad that pairs well.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender enhances both nutrition and flavor.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with grains or veggies add a colorful side that’s packed with flavor.
5. Antipasto Platter: A selection of marinated vegetables, olives, and cheeses makes for an appealing appetizer.
6. Polenta: Creamy polenta serves as a wonderful base or side that complements the soup’s richness.
7. Couscous Salad: Light and fluffy couscous mixed with herbs provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
8. Focaccia Bread: This soft, herb-infused bread is great for soaking up every last bit of sauce from your bowl.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe even more delicious.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your ingredients adequately can lead to bland flavors. Always taste as you go and adjust with salt and pepper.
• Overcooking the pasta: Allowing the pasta to cook too long can result in a mushy texture. Cook it al dente, as it will continue to soften when you let the soup simmer.
• Using low-quality broth: A poor-quality chicken stock can diminish the overall flavor of your soup. Choose a flavorful broth or make your own for the best results.
• Neglecting to sauté vegetables: This step builds depth in flavor. Ensure you sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened before adding other ingredients.
• Not allowing flavors to meld: Serving immediately may not allow the flavors to develop fully. Letting the soup sit for a few minutes enhances its taste.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover pasta fagioli in an airtight container.
• It will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe.

What is Pasta Fagioli?

Pasta Fagioli is a traditional Italian soup made with pasta, beans, vegetables, and often meat, all simmered in a tomato-based broth.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace ground beef with mushrooms or additional beans to create a hearty vegetarian version of this dish.

How do I customize my Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or zucchini, use different pasta shapes, or adjust seasonings according to your taste preferences.

How long does it take to prepare?

This recipe takes about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with various ingredients based on what you have at home. It’s a perfect choice for family dinners or meal prep. Don’t hesitate to give it a try!