Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

This hearty Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe is a comforting dish perfect for various occasions, from quick weeknight dinners to family gatherings. The combination of ground beef, beans, and pasta in a rich tomato broth makes it not only flavorful but also satisfying. In just 40 minutes, you can have a delicious meal that warms the soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in about 40 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required as everything cooks together in one pot.
• Rich Flavor: The blend of spices and ingredients creates a deep, satisfying taste.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever beans or pasta shapes you have on hand to customize the dish.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather these essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking everything in one place without spills.
• Slotted spoon: Helps remove cooked ground beef easily while keeping liquids in the pot.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts for balanced flavor.

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 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

To Taste

• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked pepper

For Garnish

• 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, crumbling with a spatula until browned and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Reduce heat and add onion, carrots, and celery without wiping out the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices

Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste to the vegetables. Cook for 1 minute while stirring frequently.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

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

Step 5: Simmer the Dish

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

Step 6: Final Touches

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve garnished with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley. Enjoy your hearty Italian Pasta Fagioli!

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How to Serve Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Serving your Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe can elevate the dining experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some delightful suggestions to complement this hearty dish.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair with a warm, crusty bread for dipping. A rustic sourdough or ciabatta works perfectly to soak up the rich broth.

Fresh Salad

• Serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. This adds freshness and balances the richness of the pasta fagioli.

Cheese Garnish

• Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor. The cheese melts slightly into the soup, enhancing its taste.

Drizzle of Olive Oil

• A simple drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving can add a touch of elegance and enrich the flavors of the dish.

Lemon Wedge

• Add a lemon wedge on the side. Squeezing fresh lemon juice over your serving brightens up the flavors and adds a zesty twist.

How to Perfect Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Perfecting your Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe ensures that each batch is delicious. Here are some helpful tips:

• Choose quality ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and high-quality canned tomatoes for deeper flavors.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to suit your palate.
• Cook pasta separately: For best results, cook ditalini pasta separately if you plan to store leftovers; this prevents sogginess.
• Let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking enhances flavor as it melds together.
• Experiment with beans: Feel free to mix different types of beans for varied textures and tastes.
• Add greens: Stir in some spinach or kale near the end of cooking for added nutrition and color.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

To round out your meal, consider serving one or more of these tasty side dishes alongside your Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe:

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic choice that pairs wonderfully with soups, garlic bread is easy to make at home using butter and garlic spread on toasted baguette slices.

2. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing complement that brightens up your meal.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil and herbs provide a nutritious side that adds depth to your dinner plate.

4. Bruschetta
   Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil offers a delightful appetizer or snack that is easy to prepare.

5. Antipasto Platter
   A selection of marinated olives, artichokes, peppers, and cheeses makes for an appealing starter that enhances the Italian theme.

6. Mixed Greens with Vinaigrette
   A simple salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette provides crunch and freshness, balancing the hearty pasta fagioli beautifully.

7. Baked Zucchini Chips
   These crispy snacks offer a healthy alternative to traditional chips and are perfect for munching before or during your meal.

8. Polenta Cakes
   Creamy polenta cakes baked until golden serve as a satisfying side that complements the flavors in pasta fagioli nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Italian pasta fagioli recipe, a few common mistakes can hinder your dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the beef and vegetables properly can lead to a bland dish. Always add salt and pepper at various stages of cooking for better flavor.

• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the ditalini too long can make it mushy. Aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly after being added to the broth.

• Ignoring the broth quality: Using low-quality chicken stock can affect the overall taste. Opt for a good brand or homemade stock for richer flavor.

• Not allowing time for flavors to meld: Rushing through the simmering step can prevent your ingredients from fully developing their flavors. Allow adequate simmering time for a tastier result.

• Using cold ingredients: Adding cold ingredients like beans or stock to a hot pot can lower the cooking temperature. Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• It will keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about more details regarding this Italian pasta fagioli recipe, check out these FAQs.

What is Italian Pasta Fagioli?

Italian pasta fagioli is a traditional soup made with pasta, beans, vegetables, and a flavorful broth. It’s a comforting dish enjoyed by many.

Can I customize my Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach, or even swap out different types of beans based on your preference.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version of this Italian pasta fagioli recipe, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

What type of pasta works best in this recipe?

While ditalini is traditional, you can use other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or mini shells if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

This hearty Italian pasta fagioli recipe is not just delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for customizing with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Try making it today, and enjoy the comforting warmth it brings to your dinner table!