Pasta And Fagioli(Pasta And Beans)
Creamy pasta with beans and herbs, featuring a hearty, flavorful broth and a hint of spice. Perfect for comforting, quick, and satisfying meals suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ditalini pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper; sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in dried basil and oregano, cook for 1 minute.
- Add the can of red kidney beans (drained and rinsed) and plum tomatoes, breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon.
- Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes to develop flavors.
- Combine cooked pasta with the bean and tomato mixture, stirring well.
- Serve hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese (or Romano for more pungency).
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding diced carrots and celery to the sauté with garlic. If you can’t find ditalini, small shells or elbow macaroni work well as substitutes. To make it heartier, include some chopped spinach or kale. For a vegetarian version, ensure that the Parmesan is made without animal rennet. This dish also pairs wonderfully with Italian recipes like Spinach Ravioli(With Pesto Cream Sauce).
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pasta And Fagioli hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This dish is hearty enough to stand alone but also pairs beautifully with a light side salad or crusty Italian bread. For a complete meal, consider a dessert like Italian Blueberry Cream Pie to finish off your dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the pasta, as it may thicken when chilled. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pasta mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta And Fagioli(Pasta And Beans) contains roughly 816 calories, with 20g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (186% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 52g 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 use canned beans for this recipe?
Yes, using canned beans is a great time-saver. Just be sure to drain and rinse them to reduce sodium content. You can also use other types of beans, such as cannellini or navy beans, if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
What can I do if the dish is too thick?
If your Pasta And Fagioli turns out too thick, simply stir in a little vegetable broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, the pasta will absorb some liquid as it sits, so adding a bit of broth can help keep it creamy.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make Pasta And Fagioli vegan, substitute the Parmesan cheese with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Additionally, check the canned beans and tomatoes to ensure they are free from any animal products.
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).