Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

This hearty Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe is a one-pot comfort food classic, perfect for any occasion. With its rich tomato broth, tender ground beef, and wholesome beans and pasta, it offers a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on busy weeknights or special gatherings. This recipe stands out for its simplicity and flavor, making it an ideal choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: Ready in about 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required, as everything cooks in a single pot.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of herbs and spices creates a rich, delicious broth that warms the soul.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite vegetables or beans for a personal touch.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes meal preparation smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients together, ensuring even flavors meld beautifully.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing cooked meat without transferring excess fat to your dish.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, diced

For the Vegetables

• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 6 cloves garlic, minced

For Flavoring

• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

For the Broth

• 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

For the Pasta

• 1 cup uncooked ditalini

Seasoning and Garnish

• Kosher salt
• fresh cracked pepper
• grated Parmesan for garnish
• fresh chopped parsley for garnish

How to Make Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Beef

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

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

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

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Incorporate garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste into the pot. Cook while stirring frequently for about 1 minute to enhance flavors.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, dark red kidney beans, chicken stock, uncooked ditalini pasta, cooked ground beef back into the pot along with generous pinches of salt and pepper.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Then reduce heat to medium or medium-low. Gently simmer for around 5 minutes or until pasta is cooked al dente.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Adjust seasoning as needed with more salt and pepper. Garnish each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.

Step 7: Enjoy!

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How to Serve Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Serving Italian Pasta Fagioli is all about enhancing its hearty flavors and comforting nature. This dish can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various accompaniments to elevate your dining experience.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Toasted bread brushed with garlic butter adds a delicious crunch.
• Italian Loaf: Serve slices of warm Italian bread for a classic pairing.

Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
• Mixed Greens: Lightly dressed mixed greens can balance the richness of the pasta fagioli.

Cheese Options

• Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle fresh grated Parmesan on top for added flavor.
• Mozzarella: Serve with fresh mozzarella balls for a creamy texture.

Drizzle of Olive Oil

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the flavors and adds richness.

How to Perfect Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

To ensure your Italian Pasta Fagioli is delicious every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs boost flavor significantly.
• Sauté Well: Properly sautéing the vegetables helps develop deeper flavors in the broth.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook ditalini until just al dente; it will continue cooking in the broth.
• Season Generously: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking for balanced flavor.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes helps meld all the flavors together.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Complement your Italian Pasta Fagioli with these delightful side dishes that enhance your meal.

1. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, basil, and garlic adds freshness.
2. Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cheeses, and cured meats creates a flavorful starter.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring vibrant colors and nutrition.
4. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic are easy to make.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa add heartiness to the meal.
6. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy fritters provide a crunchy contrast to the soup’s texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making this Italian pasta fagioli recipe is simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using the wrong type of pasta: Ditalini is traditional for this dish. Using larger pasta shapes may affect cooking time and texture.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Cook the onion, carrots, and celery until just tender. Overcooked vegetables can become mushy and lose flavor.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Taste your dish before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to enhance the overall flavor.
• Not using quality broth: A rich chicken stock enhances the taste significantly. Avoid using low-quality or bland broth for better flavor depth.
• Ignoring the simmering step: Letting the dish simmer allows flavors to meld together. Skipping this step can lead to a less flavorful dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

• Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.
• Best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal taste and texture.

Reheating Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about the Italian pasta fagioli recipe.

What is Italian Pasta Fagioli?

Italian pasta fagioli is a hearty soup made with beans, pasta, vegetables, and meat in a savory broth. It’s a comforting one-pot meal perfect for any occasion.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can easily adapt this recipe by omitting the ground beef and using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Add extra beans or vegetables for protein.

How do I customize my Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. You can also substitute different types of beans based on your preference.

What are good side dishes to serve with Italian Pasta Fagioli?

Consider serving a fresh salad or crusty bread alongside your pasta fagioli for a complete meal that balances flavors and textures.

Final Thoughts

This Italian pasta fagioli recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. It makes a comforting meal that’s easy to customize based on what you have at home. Try it today, and enjoy the warm flavors of Italy!

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

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Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Indulge in the comforting warmth of this Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe, a delightful one-pot meal that brings together tender ground beef, wholesome beans, and flavorful pasta in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this hearty dish offers a satisfying balance of nutrition and taste. With its quick preparation time and minimal cleanup, it’s an ideal choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. Customize it with your favorite vegetables for a personal touch, making it a family-friendly favorite that everyone will enjoy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• fresh cracked pepper
• grated Parmesan for garnish
• fresh chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beef and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery with salt and pepper for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, dark red kidney beans, chicken stock, uncooked ditalini pasta, and cooked ground beef back into the pot with additional salt and pepper.
5. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for about 5 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
6. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving; garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 350g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg