Pasta e Fagioli, a heartwarming and satisfying Italian soup, is the perfect dish to nourish both your body and soul. This classic comfort food combines small pasta, hearty beans, pancetta (or bacon), and fresh vegetables in a rich, savory broth. It’s a traditional soup that can be enjoyed year-round, especially on those chilly days when you’re craving something filling and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 6 oz pancetta, diced (or bacon; see notes for vegetarian option)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 2 ribs celery, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely minced
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken stock/broth (or beef, vegetable broth, or a combination)
- 2 cans (30 oz) Italian beans (such as Borlotti, also known as Roman/Cranberry beans; or use kidney, pinto, or cannellini beans)
- 8 oz small pasta (such as shells, ditalini, or macaroni)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano or Parmesan cheese, for topping
Instructions:
- Cook the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta (or bacon), onion, carrots, celery, and rosemary. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the pancetta starts to brown. - Sauté Garlic:
Add the garlic to the pot and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. - Add Beans and Tomatoes:
Stir in half of the drained and rinsed beans, along with the crushed tomatoes and chicken stock. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the other half of the beans until smooth. Add the pureed beans back into the pot. This will give the soup a creamy, velvety texture. - Simmer the Soup:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add the remaining beans and pasta, along with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Let the soup simmer, covered, for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. - Finishing Touches:
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Serve the soup hot, topped with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano or Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for extra flavor.
Notes:
- Storing:
This soup tastes even better the next day! It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will have time to meld, making it even more delicious. - Freezing:
Pasta e Fagioli is a freezer-friendly recipe—except for the pasta. Pasta tends to become mushy when frozen and reheated. If you want to freeze the soup, omit the pasta and freeze the soup base. When you reheat, cook the pasta separately and stir it into the reheated soup. - Reheating:
When reheating, the pasta will absorb some of the liquid. To restore the soup’s original consistency, add extra broth or water. Gently warm the soup over medium-low heat, adding the liquid until it’s back to your desired texture.
Why You’ll Love This Soup:
Pasta e Fagioli is a versatile, comforting soup that’s perfect for any season. The combination of savory pancetta, tender beans, and soft pasta creates a hearty and satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or alongside a salad and crusty bread, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Tips for the Perfect Pasta e Fagioli:
- Beans: The type of beans you use can vary, so feel free to experiment with different varieties. Roman beans (Borlotti) are the most traditional, but cannellini or pinto beans also work well.
- Pasta Choices: Small pasta shapes, such as ditalini, shells, or macaroni, work best for this soup as they absorb the flavors of the broth while maintaining their texture.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, swap the pancetta or bacon for a tablespoon of olive oil or a vegetarian bacon substitute.
This Pasta e Fagioli recipe is a perfect meal for a cozy night in or when you need something to warm you up on a cool day. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and provides the ultimate comfort in a bowl!
