Pasta & Fagioli
Description
This comforting Pasta e Fagioli is the ultimate rustic Italian comfort food. It features tender navy beans simmered in a rich, savory tomato and herb broth, studded with small pasta shells. The combination of earthy beans, bright tomatoes, and aromatic garlic creates a deeply satisfying dish that warms the soul. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day, this soup is simple to prepare using pantry staples. It serves as a complete, hearty main course that brings the warmth of a traditional Italian kitchen to your table.Ingredients
Directions
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Soak beans overnight in water to cover.
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Drain water and rinse beans.
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In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat and add the onion, celery, and garlic.
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Cook and stir gently for 3 minutes or until the vegetables are soft and begin to color slightly.
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Add tomatoes, oregano, basil, stock, parsley, and soaked beans.
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Add 1 cup of cold water to the bean mixture.
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Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer about 1-1/2 hours or until beans are soft.
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About 30 minutes before soup is done, in a large pot of boiling water, cook pasta until al dente.
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Drain and rinse pasta.
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Add pasta to the soup mixture.
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Season with freshly ground pepper and salt to taste.
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Serve soup with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 280.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 1.2g2%
- Saturated Fat 0.2g1%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 10.0mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 52.0g18%
- Dietary Fiber 21.0g84%
- Sugars 3.0g
- Protein 16.4g33%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
If using dried cranberry beans, soak them overnight as well; they make an excellent soup if available.
Use the best imported Parmesan cheese you can afford for garnish; it's worth the cost.
Salt is optional; you can leave it off and let guests add it at the table if they prefer a saltier taste.
This soup is great on a cold wintery night. Serve with a mixed green salad, crusty sourdough bread, and a good Italian Chianti or Barbera wine.