Pasta Fagioli, often affectionately referred to as “pasta fazool” in Italian-American communities, is a classic Italian dish that perfectly embodies the essence of Italian home cooking: simple, hearty, and flavorful. This traditional recipe features tender pasta and creamy beans, simmered together in a savoury tomato broth with aromatic vegetables and herbs. It’s a dish that has its roots in Italy’s cucina povera, or peasant cooking, where humble ingredients are transformed into a comforting and satisfying meal.

More Facts about Pasta Fagioli

The beauty of Pasta Fagioli lies in its versatility. While the basic components remain the same, variations abound depending on the region or even the family recipe. Some versions are thick and stew-like, while others are more brothy. The use of different types of beans, pasta shapes, and additional ingredients like pancetta or sausage can all be tailored to your taste. This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a perfect option for a wholesome weeknight dinner. Plus, it tastes even better the next day, so leftovers are a bonus!

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Traditional Italian Pasta Fagioli – Family Recipe

Recipe by Eric

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup ditalini or small shell pasta

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent about 5-7 minutes.
• Add broth and tomatoes: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine.
• Season and simmer: Add the dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.
• Cook the pasta and beans: Add the cannellini beans to the pot and let them heat through for about 5 minutes. Then, add the pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.
• Finish and serve: Once the pasta is cooked, adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If the soup is too thick, you can add a bit more broth to reach your desired consistency. Ladle the Pasta e Fagioli into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Notes

• Enjoy this comforting and nourishing Italian classic that brings a taste of Italy to your kitchen!