Hearty Bean And Pasta Stew
A hearty and flavorful bean and pasta stew featuring tender macaroni, kidney and garbanzo beans, fresh vegetables, and fragrant basil, perfect for a comforting, quick meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely chopped tomato ⓘ
- 3/4 cup uncooked macaroni shells ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can garbanzo beans, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a 2-quart saucepan.
- Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally; reduce heat.
- Cover and simmer about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until macaroni is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier stew, consider adding diced carrots or zucchini along with the other vegetables. If you don't have macaroni shells, any small pasta shape will work. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor, so feel free to substitute with fresh oregano or thyme if available. For a protein boost, add cooked sausage or shredded chicken from leftovers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty bean and pasta stew topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of extra fresh basil for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Garlic Chicken With Gravy for an extra protein option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture, and warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Bean And Pasta Stew contains roughly 408 calories, with 22g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (80% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), and protein (44% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 18g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this stew vegetarian?
Yes! To make this stew vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure that your Worcestershire sauce is vegetarian or substitute with soy sauce. The kidney and garbanzo beans provide plenty of protein, making this a filling meal without meat.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when mixing the ingredients. You can also stir in some hot sauce just before serving. Adjust the spice level to your preference for the perfect kick in this hearty stew.
What can I serve with this stew?
This stew is quite filling on its own but pairs nicely with a simple side of roasted vegetables or a green salad. For a comforting combo, serve with warm, buttery cornbread or a slice of homemade focaccia to soak up the delicious broth.
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).