Pasta E Fageol
A hearty Italian pasta and bean stew featuring tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and ditalini, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown garlic lightly in olive oil in a saucepot.
- Add crushed tomatoes, chopped onions, and your preferred blend of seasonings; simmer for several hours, adding water as needed.
- Add the drained Great Northern beans and cook for an additional hour.
- Cook ditalini pasta al dente, then partly drain.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Italian seasoning to the sauce. If ditalini is unavailable, small shells or elbow macaroni can serve as a substitute. To save time, use canned beans and rinsing them well can reduce sodium content. Incorporating a bay leaf during the simmering process can also deepen the richness of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pasta E Fageol with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor. This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. For an Italian twist, consider serving alongside Italian Style Pot Roast for a comforting family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the pot to prevent drying out, and warm over low heat until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta E Fageol contains roughly 2104 calories, with 147g protein, 262g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (622% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (538% of the Daily Value), and protein (294% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2977mg per serving (129% 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 make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! This Pasta E Fageol recipe is already vegetarian-friendly as it relies on beans and vegetables for flavor. Ensure that any additional ingredients, like broth or seasoning blends, are vegetarian to keep the dish aligned with your dietary preferences.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet, simply substitute the ditalini pasta with a gluten-free pasta option. Many brands offer rice or quinoa-based pasta that would work well without sacrificing texture or flavor in this hearty dish.
What can I add for extra protein?
To boost the protein content, you can add cooked sausage, ground turkey, or even diced chicken. For a vegetarian option, consider adding extra beans or lentils to keep it hearty while ensuring a protein-rich meal. You might also explore adding Spicy Italian Beans for a flavorful kick.
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).