Description
Learn how to pronounce pasta e fagioli like a native Italian while also exploring the comforting, authentic recipe for this hearty pasta and bean soup.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried cannellini or borlotti beans (soaked overnight)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary or sage (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 tsp salt (more to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (or elbow macaroni)
- Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling before serving)
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Soak beans overnight in cold water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery until softened.
- Add garlic and tomato paste, stirring until fragrant.
- Add beans and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until beans are tender (about 60 minutes).
- Add pasta and cook until al dente (8–10 minutes).
- Season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Stir well.
- Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil and Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth.
Time saver: Use canned beans; reduce simmering to 20 minutes.
Variations: Add pancetta, sausage, spinach, or zucchini.
Wine pairing: Chianti or Montepulciano red wine complements this dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Soup, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg