Pasta Fagioli

Pasta Fagioli is a hearty, comforting dish that perfectly combines pasta and beans with a savory broth. This recipe is suitable for various occasions, from cozy family dinners to meal prep for the week. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, Pasta Fagioli is sure to satisfy your cravings while being easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of ground beef, veggies, and spices creates a rich and savory taste that warms the soul.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and common ingredients, making Pasta Fagioli at home is a breeze.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a standalone dish or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Great for Meal Prep: This recipe yields 20 servings, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or storing leftovers for busy days.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Pasta Fagioli, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for browning meat and simmering soups evenly without losing heat.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes quick work of chopping vegetables, ensuring they’re uniform in size for even cooking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to create this delightful Pasta Fagioli:

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 2 medium carrots (diced)
• 3 ribs celery (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 29 oz diced tomatoes (with the liquid, 2-14.5 oz cans)
• 15 oz dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 oz cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth

Seasonings

• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp sugar

For the Pasta

• 8 oz Ditalini pasta

How to Make Pasta Fagioli

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a 5.5-quart Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 7 minutes until fully cooked.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Once the beef is browned, drain off most of the grease. Then, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Stir occasionally for about 10 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add in the remaining ingredients except for the pasta. Allow the mixture to simmer for 20 minutes so all flavors meld together.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta Separately

While the soup simmers, cook the Ditalini pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions. Drain when done.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Just before serving, stir in the drained pasta into the soup. Top with fresh basil for an added touch of flavor. Enjoy your delicious bowl of Pasta Fagioli!

How to Serve Pasta Fagioli

Pasta Fagioli is a hearty dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some serving suggestions to consider.

With Fresh Herbs

• Basil: Adding fresh basil on top not only enhances flavor but also adds a pop of color.
• Parsley: Chopped parsley brings a fresh taste and complements the dish beautifully.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve with slices of crusty baguette for dipping and savoring every last drop of soup.
• Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread adds a deliciously buttery and garlicky element to your meal.

Topped with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan cheese over the top just before serving for an added depth of flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melted mozzarella can be added on top for a creamy, rich touch.

Served in Bowls

• Individual Bowls: Serve in individual bowls for a personal touch, allowing guests to enjoy their own portion.
• Bread Bowls: For a fun twist, serve Pasta Fagioli in hollowed-out bread bowls for a unique presentation.

How to Perfect Pasta Fagioli

Creating the perfect Pasta Fagioli involves attention to detail and some helpful tips. Here’s how to elevate your dish.

• Bold Seasoning: Use fresh herbs and spices for robust flavors. Consider adjusting the amount of salt and pepper according to your taste.
• Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality tomatoes and broth. Their flavors significantly enhance the overall dish.
• Cook Pasta Separately: Always cook the pasta separately to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the soup.
• Simmer Longer: Letting the soup simmer longer allows flavors to meld beautifully. Aim for at least 30 minutes if time permits.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, add less broth or let it simmer longer without covering it.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta Fagioli

Pasta Fagioli pairs wonderfully with several side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some great options.

1. Garlic Knots: These soft, buttery knots are perfect for dipping into the soup.
2. Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds crunch and freshness that balances out the hearty soup.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies make a satisfying side dish.
4. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables is an excellent way to add nutrition and flavor.
5. Caprese Salad: This refreshing salad made with tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella works well alongside Pasta Fagioli.
6. Focaccia Bread: Soft, flavorful focaccia is perfect for soaking up any remaining broth in your bowl.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pasta Fagioli can be simple, but there are some common mistakes that could affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Overcooking the pasta: If you cook the pasta too long before adding it to the soup, it can become mushy. Cook it just al dente in a separate pot for the best texture.
• Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to season your broth properly can leave your soup bland. Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed during cooking.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Cheap canned tomatoes or broth can impact flavor. Choose high-quality, organic options when possible for a richer taste.
• Not allowing enough simmer time: Rushing through the simmering process can result in underdeveloped flavors. Aim for at least 20 minutes of simmering for optimal taste.
• Not draining beans properly: Failing to rinse and drain canned beans can lead to excess sodium. Always rinse them under cold water to improve flavor and reduce salt content.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.
• Let cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Pasta Fagioli

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in containers as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Pasta Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until warm, about 2-5 minutes depending on portion size.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pasta Fagioli.

What is Pasta Fagioli?

Pasta Fagioli is an Italian soup made with pasta and beans, often enhanced with vegetables and ground beef. It’s hearty and comforting.

Can I make Pasta Fagioli vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace ground beef with mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

How do I store leftover Pasta Fagioli?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for longer storage.

What type of pasta works best in Pasta Fagioli?

Ditalini pasta is traditional, but you can use any small pasta like elbow macaroni or shells if preferred.

Can I customize my Pasta Fagioli recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or adjust spices based on your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Pasta Fagioli recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the seasonings according to your tastes. Try this comforting dish today; it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table!

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

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Pasta Fagioli

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Pasta Fagioli is a comforting Italian soup that brings together the wholesome goodness of pasta, beans, and savory broth. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep, offering a hearty and satisfying experience in every bowl. With a delicious blend of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, this Pasta Fagioli recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Easy to prepare and versatile, you can enjoy it on its own or with crusty bread for a complete meal. Make this nourishing soup for your next gathering or simply to stock up your fridge for busy days ahead.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 2 medium carrots (diced)
• 3 ribs celery (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 29 oz diced tomatoes (with liquid)
• 15 oz dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 oz cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 8 oz Ditalini pasta

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Instructions

1. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 7 minutes until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
2. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and cook for about 10 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.
3. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Cook Ditalini pasta separately according to package instructions; drain when done.
5. Before serving, stir in the cooked pasta into the soup and enjoy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 300g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg