Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

This hearty Italian Pasta Fagioli recipe is a one-pot comfort food classic, featuring ground beef, beans, pasta, and vegetables simmered in a rich tomato broth. It’s the perfect dish for any occasion, from cozy weeknight dinners to gatherings with family and friends. With its satisfying flavors and easy preparation, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish can be ready in about 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein-rich beans and fresh vegetables, it’s a wholesome meal choice.
• One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean up means more time to relax after dinner.
• Versatile Flavor: Customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own.
• Family-Friendly: This comforting dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at the table.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious Italian Pasta Fagioli, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups and stews evenly while providing enough space for all ingredients.
• Slotted spoon: Great for removing cooked ingredients from liquid without making a mess.
• Cutting board: A stable surface to safely chop vegetables and prepare other ingredients.
• Chef’s knife: Essential for quick and efficient chopping of onions, garlic, and other veggies.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 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

For Seasoning

• 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

To Finish

• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked pepper
• Grated Parmesan for garnish
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

How to Make Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

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

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Reduce heat and add diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery along with a couple of large pinches of salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste. Cook while stirring frequently for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, dark red kidney beans, chicken stock, uncooked ditalini pasta, cooked ground beef, along with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce heat to medium or medium-low. Gently simmer for about 5 minutes or until pasta is tender but still al dente.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Taste your soup and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving.

Step 7: Serve

Enjoy your delicious Italian Pasta Fagioli! If you loved this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating and review below!

How to Serve Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Serving your Italian pasta fagioli is an opportunity to enhance its flavors and presentation. This hearty dish can be complemented with various toppings and sides to create a satisfying meal for everyone.

Add Garnishes

• Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a rich, cheesy flavor that pairs beautifully with the soup.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a fresh herbal touch.

Pair with Bread

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the savory broth and makes for a delightful addition.
• Crusty Baguette: Slices of crusty baguette can be served on the side, allowing guests to soak up every last drop.

Serve with Salad

• Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta fagioli.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons of a Caesar salad create a nice contrast to the warm soup.

How to Perfect Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Perfecting your Italian pasta fagioli is about enhancing flavor and texture. Here are some tips for achieving the best results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will add more flavor and nutrition than canned or frozen alternatives.
• Adjust Seasonings: Always taste and adjust the seasoning as needed; a little extra salt or pepper can elevate the dish.
• Cook Pasta Separately: If you prefer firmer pasta, cook it separately and add it just before serving to avoid overcooking.
• Let It Sit: Allowing the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking intensifies the flavors as they meld together.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Pairing your Italian pasta fagioli with side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing contrast.
2. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, marinated vegetables, and cheeses offers a variety of flavors that complement the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add a healthy touch while enhancing your meal’s overall taste profile.
4. Polenta Fries: Crispy polenta fries serve as a delicious alternative to traditional breadsticks.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice and herbs make for an appealing side that pairs well with pasta fagioli.
6. Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous tossed with herbs complements the hearty nature of the main dish without overshadowing it.
7. Zucchini Noodles: Light and low-carb, zucchini noodles provide an interesting twist when served alongside this dish.
8. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil enhances your dining experience with fresh flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Italian Pasta Fagioli can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the outcome.

• Using the wrong pasta: Ditalini is traditional for this dish. Substituting with larger pasta can change the texture and cooking time. Stick to ditalini for best results.
• Overcooking the beans: If you overcook canned beans, they can become mushy. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking to maintain their integrity.
• Skipping seasoning: Not adding enough salt and pepper can lead to bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning to enhance flavors.
• Ignoring simmering time: A quick boil may not allow flavors to develop fully. Simmer gently for at least 5 minutes after adding all ingredients.
• Not garnishing: Skipping the garnish can make your dish look less appealing. Fresh parsley and Parmesan elevate both flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Italian Pasta Fagioli in an airtight container.
• It lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It will stay good for up to 3 months.

Reheating Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1 minute, stirring between each.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Italian Pasta Fagioli recipe.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or lamb can be used instead of beef for a different flavor profile.

What if I want a vegetarian version of the Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe?

You can omit the meat and add more vegetables or use plant-based protein like lentils for added texture.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute regular ditalini with gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

Can I customize the vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Pasta Fagioli recipe is a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your tastes or dietary needs. Give it a try, and enjoy the comforting flavors that this classic dish has to offer!