This hearty Pasta Fagioli is a classic Italian dish full of flavor! It combines pasta, beans, and vegetables, creating a warm and cozy meal everyone will love.
Honestly, it’s like getting a hug in a bowl! I enjoy making it on chilly days. Just throw everything in and let it simmer; it’s simple and so satisfying when you serve it up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is the foundation for flavor in this dish. If you’re out, you can use vegetable oil or melted butter. Olive oil adds a nice richness, so try to use it if you can!
Beans: Cannellini beans are traditional for Pasta Fagioli, but you can substitute with great northern beans or even kidney beans if that’s what you have on hand.
Broth: Chicken broth gives additional flavor but feel free to use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Homemade broth is ideal, but store-bought works just fine!
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is common, but ditalini is a great choice too! Chickpea or gluten-free pasta can also be used for those with dietary restrictions.
Herbs: Dried oregano and basil create a flavorful base. If you have fresh herbs, use them! They enhance the flavor even more. Just remember, you’ll need more fresh herbs than dried.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Sauté for the Vegetables?
The sautéing step is crucial for building flavor. Start with medium heat to prevent burning and ensure the vegetables soften beautifully. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot.
- Add onions first; they take longer to cook, so give them a couple of minutes head start.
- After a few minutes, add garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté slowly for about 5-7 minutes until everything is tender and fragrant.
- Keep stirring to mix the flavors and prevent sticking!
Perfectly sautéed vegetables will give your Pasta Fagioli a rich flavor base to build upon.
Authentic Italian Pasta Fagioli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (14 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup elbow macaroni or ditalini pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Pasta Fagioli takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend around 40 minutes preparing a delicious, hearty meal that’ll warm you up on any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion and cook it for a couple of minutes until it begins to soften. Then, mix in the garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté everything together for about 5-7 minutes until the veggies are tender and the onion looks translucent.
2. Add the Rest of the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add in the diced tomatoes (juices included), the broth, and the drained cannellini beans. Stir in the dried oregano and basil, blending it all well together.
3. Simmer Away:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes. This helps the flavors combine beautifully!
4. Cook the Pasta:
Add your chosen pasta to the pot and cook according to the package instructions (this is usually around 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick together.
5. Season and Add Cheese:
Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, season the soup with salt and pepper. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for a lovely creamy finish!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, ladle the hot Pasta Fagioli into bowls. If you like, garnish with some fresh parsley or thyme, along with extra Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy it warm with a side of crusty bread for a comforting, authentic Italian meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni and ditalini are traditional, you can use any small pasta shape you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since different types may vary!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a pot on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the Parmesan cheese, or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative.
What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the beans and return it to the pot. Alternatively, stir in a bit of cornstarch mixed with cold water to the simmering soup to thicken it up!
