Pasta e fagioli is a classic Italian dish that combines pasta, beans, and a flavorful broth. It’s a comforting, hearty meal, often served in colder months, full of rustic flavors. The dish varies by region but typically features white beans and small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni.
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it an easy and satisfying choice for lunch or dinner. With its balance of pasta and beans, it’s both filling and rich in protein and fiber, perfect for any time of day.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta e Fagioli
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Comforting & Hearty: It’s a perfect cozy meal, especially in colder weather, offering warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
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Nutritious: Packed with beans, pasta, and vegetables, this dish provides plenty of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
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Easy to Make: Pasta e fagioli is simple to prepare, even for beginner cooks, and can be made in under an hour.
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Versatile: You can adapt this dish with different beans, pasta, or even add extra veggies for variation, making it customizable to your taste.
Pre-preparation of Pasta e Fagioli
Before cooking, prepare all ingredients by rinsing the beans and chopping the vegetables. It’s important to have everything ready to go as this dish comes together quickly once you start.
Ingredients
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1 cup of small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
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2 cans of cannellini beans (rinsed and drained)
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1 medium onion (chopped)
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2 cloves of garlic (minced)
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2 carrots (peeled and chopped)
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2 celery stalks (chopped)
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1 can of diced tomatoes
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4 cups vegetable broth
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Olive oil
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Salt and pepper (to taste)
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Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
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In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
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Add the tomatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
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Stir in the beans and pasta, and cook until the pasta is tender (about 10–12 minutes).
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Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
FAQs About Pasta e Fagioli
Can I make pasta e fagioli ahead of time?
Yes, this dish actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What can I substitute for cannellini beans?
You can use any white bean, such as great northern or navy beans, as a substitute in this recipe.
Can I make pasta e fagioli vegetarian?
Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and skip any meat additions for a fully vegetarian dish.
Is pasta e fagioli a soup or a stew?
Pasta e fagioli is typically considered a thick soup or a stew, depending on the amount of broth used, offering a hearty consistency.
