Grace'S Pasta E Fagiole Bianco
Creamy and flavorful, Grace's Pasta E Fagiole Bianco combines cannellini beans, garlic, and pasta for a comforting Italian dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a nonstick frying pan, brown the chopped garlic and chopped onion in olive oil until fragrant and translucent.
- Puree one can of cannellini beans with the water from the can in a blender until smooth.
- Add the pureed beans, chopped tomato, chicken broth, white wine (if using), and optional Locatelli cheese to the pan with the sautéed garlic and onion.
- Simmer the mixture for a few minutes to combine flavors.
- Serve the sauce over the cooked pasta and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream to the sauce. If you don’t have Locatelli cheese, Parmesan or Pecorino Romano can be excellent substitutes. To save time, use pre-chopped onions and garlic. If you prefer a heartier dish, add cooked sausage or diced ham to the mix. This recipe is also a great base for various Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pasta e fagioli bianco with a sprinkle of additional Locatelli cheese on top for extra flavor. A side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad pairs beautifully with this dish. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Chicken Francaise With Broccoli to create a delightful Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm the pasta and sauce together in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grace'S Pasta E Fagiole Bianco contains roughly 1381 calories, with 7g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 129g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (85% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 590mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried cannellini beans. Be sure to soak and cook them before adding to the recipe. They will need to be fully cooked and tender, usually taking several hours to prepare, so plan ahead if you choose this option.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses cannellini beans for protein and flavor. If you want to keep it vegetarian, omit the chicken broth or use a vegetable broth instead. This will maintain the dish's rich flavor without any meat.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the small pasta shells with a gluten-free pasta alternative. There are many options available, such as brown rice or quinoa pasta, which will work well in this recipe without compromising the overall taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).