Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

This hearty Italian Pasta Fagioli recipe is a delightful one-pot meal that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, beans, and pasta in a savory tomato broth. Perfect for various occasions, this dish serves as an ideal weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend feast. With its robust taste and satisfying textures, it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe is ready in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one pot, allowing you more time to enjoy your meal.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of ground beef, beans, and Italian seasoning creates a hearty and flavorful dish that warms the soul.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily adjust the vegetables and beans based on what you have on hand, making it adaptable to your pantry.
• Nourishing Meal: Packed with protein and fiber from the beans and beef, this dish is filling and nutritious.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Italian Pasta Fagioli recipe smoothly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that can streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Slotted spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients together without the risk of overflow.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing cooked ingredients like ground beef without transferring excess liquid.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting ingredients efficiently.

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 the Flavor

• 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 the beef from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Reduce heat and without wiping out the pan, add onion, carrots, and celery along with a couple of large pinches of salt and pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste to the pot. Cook while stirring frequently for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, dark red kidney beans, chicken stock, uncooked ditalini pasta, cooked ground beef back into the pot along with more salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Simmer Together

Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Then reduce heat to medium or medium-low. Gently simmer for about 5 minutes or until pasta is cooked tender but still al dente.

Step 6: Final Seasoning & Serve

Season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top.

Step 7: Enjoy!

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How to Serve Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Serving your Italian pasta fagioli is an opportunity to enhance the meal’s rich flavors. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate this comforting dish.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping. A rustic loaf or garlic bread works beautifully to soak up the delicious broth.

Accompanied by a Fresh Salad

• Pair with a vibrant salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each bowl with fresh chopped parsley or basil. This will brighten the dish and add an aromatic touch.

Sprinkled with Grated Cheese

• Offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side for guests to sprinkle atop their servings. This adds richness and flavor to every bite.

How to Perfect Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Perfecting your Italian pasta fagioli can take your dish from good to great. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavor profile of your dish significantly.

• Cook Pasta Separately: For more control over texture, consider cooking the ditalini separately and adding it just before serving.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper based on personal preference for a balanced flavor.

• Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking can help meld the flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Complementing your Italian pasta fagioli with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted baguette slices brushed with garlic butter are perfect for dipping into the soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers provide added nutrients and color.
4. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil makes a delightful appetizer.
5. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, croutons, and Caesar dressing create a classic side that pairs well.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice and veggies make for a filling complement.
7. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables invites variety alongside your soup.
8. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread offers a warm, comforting addition that balances out the savory flavors of pasta fagioli.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Not using enough seasoning: Failing to season your dish adequately can lead to bland flavors. Always taste as you go and adjust with salt, pepper, or herbs.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta too long can result in mushy noodles. Aim for al dente texture by adding it towards the end of cooking.
• Skipping the aromatics: Neglecting ingredients like garlic and onions can diminish flavor. Sauté these first to build a rich base for your broth.
• Using low-quality canned ingredients: Subpar beans or tomatoes can affect the overall taste. Choose high-quality brands for better results.
• Not allowing time for flavors to meld: Rushing through cooking may prevent the flavors from developing fully. Let it simmer gently for maximum taste enhancement.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• The dish can be frozen for up to 3 months; just leave out the pasta if you plan to freeze.

Reheating Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway, until hot, typically 3-5 minutes depending on portion size.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe that might help you.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or lamb if preferred, ensuring similar cooking times.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Add more beans or veggies for protein.

What beans are best for this Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe?

Cannellini beans and dark red kidney beans work well due to their creamy texture and flavor profile.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to include spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini based on your preferences.

How long does this dish take to prepare?

This hearty meal is ready in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Pasta Fagioli Recipe is a comforting classic that brings warmth and satisfaction. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different meats or vegetables according to what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate—try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious bowl of comfort!

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

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Italian Pasta Fagioli

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Indulge in the warmth of this Italian Pasta Fagioli recipe, a one-pot wonder that brings together the rich flavors of ground beef, hearty beans, and pasta in a savory tomato broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this dish is not only quick to prepare—taking just 40 minutes—but also easy to customize based on what you have on hand. With its satisfying textures and robust taste, it’s sure to become a beloved family favorite. This nutritious meal is filled with protein and fiber, making it both delicious and wholesome.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 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
• 1 cup uncooked ditalini pasta

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Remove from pot.
2. In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery; season with salt and pepper. Sauté until softened.
3. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste; cook until fragrant.
4. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beans, chicken stock, uncooked pasta, and the cooked beef back into the pot. Stir well.
5. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 5 minutes or until pasta is tender but al dente.
6. Adjust seasoning as desired; serve hot garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 375g)
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg