Pasta Fagioli

A Heartwarming Culinary Hug: Crafting the Perfect Pasta e Fagioli Masterpiece

Step into the heart of Italy with our Pasta e Fagioli recipe – a comforting bowl of warmth and flavor that embodies the essence of Italian homestyle cooking. This rustic dish, translating to “pasta and beans,” is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in a symphony of taste and texture. Join us on a journey to create a bowlful of culinary comfort, where pasta and beans dance in a savory broth to create a dish that’s not just food but a heartwarming culinary hug.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ditalini pasta (or any small pasta)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

Step 1: Sautéing Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.

Step 2: Building the Base: Add cannellini beans and diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot. Stir in dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, creating a flavorful base for the Pasta e Fagioli.

Step 3: Simmering Perfection: Pour in vegetable or chicken broth and add a bay leaf for an extra layer of aroma. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Adding Pasta: Stir in the ditalini pasta and continue simmering until the pasta is al dente. Be mindful not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to absorb liquid.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the Pasta e Fagioli into bowls, garnishing each serving with fresh chopped parsley. Serve with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Cook Notes:

• Pasta Choice: Ditalini is a traditional choice, but feel free to experiment with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells.
• Broth Consistency: If the soup becomes too thick as it sits, add additional broth when reheating.

Variations:

Keto Edition:

• Vegetable Noodle Swap: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles for a keto-friendly option.
• Cauliflower Medley: Introduce cauliflower florets for added texture and a low-carb alternative to beans.

Low-Carb Version:

• Protein Power: Enhance the protein content by adding cooked chicken or turkey to create a heartier, low-carb version.
• Leafy Greens Addition: Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the final minutes of simmering for a nutrient-packed variation.

A Bowlful of Italian Comfort: As you savor each spoonful of Pasta e Fagioli, relish in the simplicity of ingredients transforming into a bowlful of Italian comfort. This dish is a testament to the power of tradition and the warmth found in a well-crafted soup. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a reminder of the simple joys of life, let Pasta e Fagioli be a comforting embrace that transcends time and borders