This Pasta Fagioli is a cozy dish filled with tasty pasta, beans, and vegetables in a warm, hearty broth. It’s easy to make and so satisfying—perfect for a chilly day!
Every spoonful feels like a big hug, especially with a sprinkle of cheese on top. I love serving it with crusty bread; it makes the meal even more special! 🥖❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This ingredient adds richness to the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead. For a vegetarian twist, try mushrooms or lentils.
Pasta: While small pasta like ditalini is traditional, elbow macaroni works well too. Feel free to swap it out for gluten-free pasta if needed!
Cannellini Beans: These provide a creamy texture. If you can’t find them, navy beans or even chickpeas are great alternatives. Just make sure they’re rinsed and drained!
Olive Oil: Always a fantastic choice for sautéing, but if you’re out, any neutral oil will do. Avocado oil is a healthy substitute too.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in My Pasta Fagioli?
The secret to a flavorful Pasta Fagioli lies in properly building your base. Start by browning the beef well for flavor. Then, soften the onions, celery, and carrots in the same pot to pick up those meaty bits stuck to the bottom; this creates depth in taste.
- Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are just soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic last so it doesn’t burn—this keeps the garlic’s flavor fresh.
- Stir in the tomatoes and broth, ensuring you scrape the pot for any remaining ingredients. This adds richness to the broth.
Lastly, remember to taste and adjust seasoning! A little salt and pepper can go a long way.
Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced carrot
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup dried small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Pasta Fagioli recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, expect to spend roughly 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside, making sure to drain any excess fat if there’s a lot.
2. Sautéing Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion, celery, and carrot. Cook them over medium heat until they are softened, which should take around 5 minutes. Make sure not to let them brown—just soften them up!
3. Adding Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the vegetable mixture and cook it for an additional minute, stirring until it becomes fragrant. This will enhance all the lovely flavors in the pot!
4. Simmering:
Stir in the diced tomatoes along with their juice and the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Watch closely; when it reaches a simmer, you can start adding your pasta.
5. Cooking Pasta:
Next, add the dried small pasta to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
6. Bringing It All Together:
Once the pasta is tender, return the browned beef to the pot along with the rinsed cannellini beans. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and heat the beans through!
7. Final Touches:
Stir in the freshly chopped parsley, and taste the soup. Season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your liking. It’s your dish!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Pasta Fagioli hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this delicious, hearty soup that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
Happy cooking! 🍽️
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner substitute for ground beef in this recipe. It will still provide a delicious flavor, just be sure to season it well to enhance the taste.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Pasta Fagioli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can definitely add more veggies! Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers would all work beautifully in this soup. Just toss them in with the onions during the sauté step for a nutritious boost.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra beans or some diced mushrooms for more substance and flavor.
