Pasta Fagioli

Pasta Fagioli is a delightful and hearty Italian dish that combines pasta and beans in a rich savory broth. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, offering warmth and comfort in every bowl. With its robust flavors and simple ingredients, Pasta Fagioli is an excellent choice for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in just under an hour.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of ground beef, vegetables, and spices creates a deliciously rich flavor profile.
• Hearty and Filling: This recipe serves 20, making it perfect for large gatherings or leftovers throughout the week.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
• Comfort Food: A warm bowl of Pasta Fagioli is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings.

Tools and Preparation

To make Pasta Fagioli efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment that will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Large pot

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for browning meat and simmering soups evenly.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
• Large pot: Necessary for cooking pasta separately without crowding.

Ingredients

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)

For the Broth

• 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

Over medium heat, brown the ground beef in a 5.5 quart dutch oven for about 7 minutes until fully cooked.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

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

Step 3: Simmer with Remaining Ingredients

Add in all remaining ingredients except for pasta:
– Simmer for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta Separately

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

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Just before serving, add drained pasta to the soup:
– Top with fresh basil and enjoy warm!

This delicious Pasta Fagioli recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!

How to Serve Pasta Fagioli

Pasta Fagioli is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, here are some delightful suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Serve slices of fresh, crusty bread alongside your Pasta Fagioli for dipping. The bread complements the soup’s rich flavors perfectly.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Top each bowl with freshly chopped basil or parsley. This adds a burst of color and freshness to the dish.

Offer Grated Cheese

• Provide a side of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkling it on top of the hot soup will melt it slightly, enriching the flavors.

Serve with a Side Salad

• A light green salad dressed with vinaigrette can balance the richness of Pasta Fagioli, making for a well-rounded meal.

Create a Pasta Bar

• Let guests customize their bowls by offering additional toppings like extra beans, vegetables, or hot sauce. This interactive approach makes dining fun!

How to Perfect Pasta Fagioli

Perfecting your Pasta Fagioli involves attention to detail and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Choose Quality Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor in your soup.
• Use Fresh Vegetables: Freshly diced onions, carrots, and celery enhance the texture and taste of your dish.
• Simmer for Flavor: Allow the soup to simmer longer than suggested if time permits. This helps meld the flavors beautifully.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your Ditalini pasta is cooked al dente before adding it to the soup. It will absorb less liquid and maintain its shape better.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving. Every palate is different!

Best Side Dishes for Pasta Fagioli

Pairing side dishes with your Pasta Fagioli can enhance the dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread
   Toasted bread with garlic butter is perfect for soaking up every last drop of soup.

2. Caprese Salad
   A fresh combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil adds brightness and balances flavors.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables bring earthy notes that complement the richness of the soup.

4. Antipasto Platter
   Offer an assortment of olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses for a delightful start to your meal.

5. Stuffed Peppers
   Bell peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa can be a filling side that pairs well with Pasta Fagioli.

6. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
   Classic grilled cheese adds comfort and pairs wonderfully with the hearty soup.

7. Mixed Greens Salad
   A simple salad with mixed greens drizzled in balsamic vinaigrette offers freshness and crunch.

8. Cheesy Polenta
   Creamy polenta topped with cheese provides a rich side that complements the soup’s flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pasta Fagioli, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Bold seasoning: Skipping or skimping on seasonings can lead to bland flavors. Always measure and adjust spices like basil and oregano for a robust taste.
• Bold bean prep: Not rinsing canned beans can make your soup too salty. Rinse them thoroughly before adding to keep the flavor balanced.
• Bold pasta timing: Adding pasta too early can result in mushy noodles. Cook it separately and combine just before serving for the best texture.
• Bold ingredient quality: Using low-quality canned tomatoes can affect taste. Opt for high-quality brands to enhance the overall flavor of your Pasta Fagioli.
• Bold broth choice: Using water instead of broth diminishes flavor depth. Always use beef broth or a flavorful alternative for richer soup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Pasta Fagioli

• Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pasta Fagioli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pasta Fagioli.

What is Pasta Fagioli?

Pasta Fagioli is a hearty Italian soup made with pasta and beans, typically enriched with vegetables and meat for added flavor.

Can I make Pasta Fagioli vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and replace beef broth with vegetable broth. Add more beans and veggies for a filling dish.

How do I customize my Pasta Fagioli?

You can add different vegetables like zucchini or spinach, swap out the type of beans used, or adjust spices according to your preference.

Is Pasta Fagioli healthy?

Absolutely! This dish is packed with protein from beans and beef, as well as fiber from vegetables, making it a nutritious option.

How long does Pasta Fagioli last in the fridge?

It can last up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

Pasta Fagioli is a comforting dish that combines hearty ingredients into a delicious soup. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its rich flavors!