Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe

A delicious Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe is the ideal dish for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. This hearty soup combines rich flavors from tender beans, fresh vegetables, and al dente pasta, making it a favorite among comfort food lovers. Not only is it satisfying, but it’s also easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This dish offers a satisfying mix of beans and pasta that will keep you full and happy.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip this up in no time.
• Versatile: Perfect Pasta e Fagioli can be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
• Great for Meal Prep: This recipe makes excellent leftovers, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.
• Rich in Flavor: The combination of herbs and fresh ingredients creates a depth of flavor that is hard to resist.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Heavy pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy pot: Ideal for even cooking and simmering the soup without burning.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes prep work quick and efficient.

Ingredients

A delicious recipe for Perfect Pasta e Fagioli!

Ingredients:
– 1 package of Kielbasa, halved and sliced
– 1 lb. Red Kidney Beans (soaked overnight) (Or you can use 1 15 oz. can)
– 1 lb. Cannellini Beans (Soaked overnight) (Or you can use 1 15 oz. can)
– 1 lb. Ditalini Pasta (or any small cut pasta)
– 1 qt. Tomato Juice
– 1 15 oz. can of Diced Tomatoes
– 3 Carrots, sliced
– 3 stalks of Celery, diced
– 1 Onion, diced
– 4-6 cloves of Garlic, minced
– 1 tsp. Salt
– 1 tsp. Pepper
– 1 tsp. Thyme
– 1 tsp. Basil
– 1 tsp. Oregano
– 8 c. Chicken Stock

How to Make Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe

Step 1: Heat Your Pot

To begin, place a heavy pot over medium/high heat.

Step 2: Prepare Ingredients

While the pot is heating up, take this time to get your meat and vegetables prepped.

Step 3: Cook the Kielbasa

Add 2–3 tbsp. oil to the pot along with the kielbasa slices.
* Cook until browned on both sides.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Next, add the diced onion.
* Cook until soft and translucent.
* Now add sliced carrots and diced celery.
* Cook until they become tender.

Step 5: Add Garlic

Now add the minced garlic.
* Let it cook until fragrant.

Step 6: Season Your Soup

Time to add the seasonings!
* Add salt, pepper, thyme, basil, and oregano.
* Stir well; let cook for a minute or two to combine flavors.

Step 7: Combine Liquids

Now you can add tomato juice, diced tomatoes, and chicken stock.
* Bring everything to a boil.

Step 8: Add Beans

Lower heat to a simmer and add soaked beans.
* Cook for about 45–60 minutes until beans are tender.

Step 9: Add Pasta

Add ditalini pasta into your pot.
* Cook for an additional 10–12 minutes until al dente.

Step 10: Taste Test

Taste your soup for seasoning adjustments if necessary.

Step 11: Serve

Serve hot and enjoy every comforting spoonful!

How to Serve Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe

Serving Perfect Pasta e Fagioli is an art that can enhance the dining experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate this classic dish.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish your pasta e fagioli with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and flavor.

Crusty Bread

• Serve alongside a loaf of crusty Italian bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth.

Parmesan Cheese

• Offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side, allowing guests to add as much as they like for an added layer of flavor.

Side Salad

• Pair with a light side salad, such as a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the soup.

How to Perfect Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe

To achieve the best version of your Perfect Pasta e Fagioli, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken stock will significantly improve the flavor of your dish.
• Soak Beans Overnight: If using dried beans, soaking them overnight helps soften them, ensuring they cook evenly and quickly.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving. You may want to add more herbs or salt based on your preference.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: To maintain the perfect texture, add pasta towards the end of cooking and check for doneness frequently.

Best Side Dishes for Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe

Complementing your Perfect Pasta e Fagioli with delicious side dishes can enhance the meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, perfect for dipping into your pasta e fagioli.
2. Caprese Salad: A refreshing blend of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil that contrasts well with the hearty soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender add a nice touch and additional nutrition.
4. Antipasto Platter: A selection of marinated olives, artichokes, and cheeses creates a delightful appetizer before the main dish.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with rice and vegetables make a satisfying addition to any meal.
6. Garden Salad: A mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette keeps things fresh and light alongside the rich flavors of pasta fagioli.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Avoid these common mistakes for a flawless dish.

• Skipping the soak – Not soaking the beans overnight can lead to longer cooking times and uneven texture. Always soak your beans for at least 8 hours.
• Overcooking the pasta – Cooking the pasta too long will make it mushy. Aim for al dente by checking it a couple of minutes before the suggested cooking time.
• Neglecting seasoning – Under-seasoning can result in a bland dish. Taste as you go and adjust your spices to your preference.
• Using low-quality broth – A weak broth will dilute flavors. Opt for a rich chicken or vegetable stock for depth and taste.
• Ignoring ingredient prep – Not prepping vegetables properly can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure all vegetables are diced or sliced uniformly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Allow it to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot throughout. Use a microwave-safe bowl.
• Stovetop – Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing the Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe.

How do I make the Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe vegetarian?

You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting Kielbasa and using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes, you can substitute soaked dried beans with canned ones for convenience; just rinse them before adding.

What type of pasta is best for Pasta e Fagioli?

Ditalini pasta is traditional, but you can use any small cut pasta you have on hand.

How spicy is this Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe?

This recipe is not spicy but feel free to add red pepper flakes for extra heat according to your taste.

Final Thoughts

The Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe is comforting and versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your taste, and enjoy every hearty spoonful!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Perfect Pasta e Fagioli

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8

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Description

The Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe is a heartwarming Italian classic that combines the richness of beans, the freshness of vegetables, and the comforting bite of pasta in a savory broth. This dish is ideal for any gathering, from casual family dinners to festive occasions with friends. Each spoonful is a delightful blend of flavors, making it not just filling but also incredibly satisfying. With easy-to-follow steps and customizable ingredients, this hearty soup is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better as leftovers. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb. Red Kidney Beans (soaked overnight) or 1 15 oz. can
• 1 lb. Cannellini Beans (soaked overnight) or 1 15 oz. can
• 1 lb. Ditalini Pasta or any small cut pasta
• 1 qt. Tomato Juice
• 1 15 oz. can Diced Tomatoes
• 3 Carrots, sliced
• 3 stalks Celery, diced
• 1 Onion, diced
• 4–6 cloves Garlic, minced
• 8 cups Chicken Stock

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Instructions

1. Heat a heavy pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add oil and Kielbasa slices; cook until browned.
3. Stir in onions; cook until translucent.
4. Add carrots and celery; sauté until tender.
5. Mix in garlic; cook until fragrant.
6. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, basil, and oregano.
7. Pour in tomato juice, diced tomatoes, and chicken stock; bring to a boil.
8. Lower heat to simmer; add soaked beans and cook for 45–60 minutes.
9. Stir in ditalini pasta; cook for an additional 10–12 minutes until al dente.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 70 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: <1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: <5mg