Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe

A delicious Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe is a comforting dish that combines pasta and beans into a hearty meal. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or meal prep for the week ahead. Its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients make it a standout choice that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can easily whip up this delightful dish.
• Hearty and Filling: The combination of beans and pasta ensures that this meal is satisfying and nutritious.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize your Perfect Pasta e Fagioli by adding seasonal vegetables or your favorite spices.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a large batch and freeze leftovers for an easy meal on busy days.
• Flavorful Comfort Food: Enjoy the rich taste of herbs combined with tender beans and pasta in every bite.

Tools and Preparation

To create the Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Heavy pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy pot: A sturdy pot is essential for even cooking, preventing scorching or uneven heat distribution while simmering the soup.
• Sharp knife: Using a sharp knife makes chopping vegetables easier and more efficient, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the right balance of flavors in your Perfect Pasta e Fagioli.

Ingredients

For this delicious Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe, gather the following ingredients:

Protein & Beans

• 1 package of Kielbasa, halved and sliced
• 1 lb. Red Kidney Beans, soaked overnight (or use 1 15 oz. can)
• 1 lb. Cannellini Beans, soaked overnight (or use 1 15 oz. can)

Pasta & Liquids

• 1 lb. Ditalini Pasta (or any small cut pasta)
• 1 qt. Tomato Juice
• 1 15 oz. can of Diced Tomatoes
• 8 c. Chicken Stock

Vegetables & Seasonings

• 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

How to Make Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe

Step 1: Heat the Pot

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

Step 2: Prep Ingredients

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

Step 3: Cook the Kielbasa

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

Step 4: Sauté Onions

Next, add the onion to the pot and cook until it begins to soften and become translucent.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

Now add the carrots and celery to the pot. Cook until they become tender.

Step 6: Incorporate Garlic

Add in the minced garlic and let it cook until fragrant.

Step 7: Seasoning Time

Now it’s time to add your seasonings! Add salt, pepper, thyme, basil, and oregano into the mixture.

Step 8: Combine Liquids

Stir everything together and let cook for a minute or two to reconstitute with oils from the herbs before adding tomato juice, diced tomatoes, and chicken stock.

Step 9: Bring to Boil

Bring everything to a boil before adding in your beans.

Step 10: Simmer

Lower heat to a simmer and cook for about 45–60 minutes until beans are tender.

Step 11: Add Pasta

Finally, add your ditalini pasta into the mix and cook for an additional 10–12 minutes until al dente.

Step 12: Final Touches

Taste for seasoning adjustments if necessary before serving hot!

Enjoy your warm bowl of Perfect Pasta e Fagioli!

How to Serve Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe

Serving your Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe can elevate the dining experience. Here are some suggestions that complement the dish beautifully.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with chopped parsley or basil for a burst of fresh flavor and color.

Crusty Bread

• Serve with slices of crusty bread or garlic bread, perfect for dipping into the hearty soup.

Grated Cheese

• Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese on top for added richness and depth of flavor.

Salad

• Pair with a light green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the dish’s richness.

Olive Oil Drizzle

• A drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top enhances both texture and taste.

Lemon Wedges

• Offer lemon wedges on the side for a zesty touch that complements the beans and tomatoes.

How to Perfect Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe

Getting your Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe just right can take practice. Here are some tips to ensure it’s always delicious.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and high-quality stock for the best flavor.
• Soak Beans Overnight: If using dried beans, soaking them overnight helps soften them and reduces cooking time.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to suit your preference.
• Cook Pasta Separately: For a more controlled texture, cook pasta separately and add it before serving.
• Use Leftovers Creatively: Leftover soup can be used as a sauce over rice or served with crusty bread.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently.

Best Side Dishes for Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe can enhance the meal. Consider these delightful options:

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a refreshing companion.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add a healthy crunch.
3. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, warm breadsticks brushed with garlic butter provide a perfect dipper.
4. Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses offers variety and flavor.
5. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a touch of elegance and complements the soup’s heartiness.
6. Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette provides freshness.
7. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa add extra protein and flavor to your meal.
8. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese makes for a comforting side that pairs well with pasta fagioli.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe. Here are some pitfalls to be aware of:

• Skipping the soak: Not soaking the beans overnight can lead to a longer cooking time and less tender beans. Always soak your beans before cooking.
• Overcooking the pasta: If you add pasta too early, it may become mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking for that perfect al dente texture.
• Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning can result in bland soup. Taste as you cook and adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, and herbs gradually.
• Neglecting fresh ingredients: Using stale vegetables or old stock can diminish flavor. Always use fresh produce and quality stock for the best results.
• Rushing the simmer: Cooking at too high a temperature can result in unevenly cooked beans. Allow your soup to simmer gently for even texture and flavor development.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container.
• Best consumed within 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between, until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe:

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes, using canned beans is a great option! Just drain and rinse them before adding to the soup.

How do I customize my Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor!

What can I serve with this dish?

A crusty bread or side salad pairs beautifully with your Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe.

Can I make this vegan?

Definitely! Replace chicken stock with vegetable broth and omit any meat for a delicious vegan version.

Final Thoughts

The Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with various vegetables or proteins to suit your taste. Give this dish a try; you’ll love how satisfying it is!

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: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Experience the heartwarming comfort of our Perfect Pasta e Fagioli recipe, a delightful Italian bean and pasta soup that brings together wholesome ingredients in every bite. This dish is not only quick to prepare, with just 10 minutes of prep time, but it’s also versatile enough to adapt to your preferences. Packed with nutritious beans, tender vegetables, and flavorful herbs, this hearty meal is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy gatherings. Additionally, it freezes beautifully—ideal for busy days when you crave something comforting yet easy to heat up. Each serving delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures that will warm your soul.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb. Ditalini Pasta
• 1 lb. Red Kidney Beans, soaked overnight (or use 1 15 oz. can)
• 1 lb. Cannellini Beans, soaked overnight (or use 1 15 oz. can)
• 1 qt. Tomato Juice
• 1 15 oz. can of Diced Tomatoes
• 8 c. Chicken Stock
• 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

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Instructions

1. Heat a heavy pot over medium/high heat.
2. Add oil and cook kielbasa until browned on both sides (if using).
3. Sauté onions until translucent.
4. Add carrots and celery; cook until tender.
5. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
6. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, basil, and oregano.
7. Combine liquids: tomato juice, diced tomatoes, and chicken stock; bring to a boil.
8. Add beans; simmer for 45–60 minutes until tender.
9. Incorporate ditalini pasta; cook for an additional 10–12 minutes until al dente.
10. Adjust seasoning before serving hot.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 0mg