Pasta E Fagioli
Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty Italian soup combining tender ground meat, beans, and pasta, infused with aromatic herbs and vegetables. Rich and comforting, it's perfect for a satisfying family meal or cozy gathering, offering a delicious blend of savory flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 large onions
- 4 cloves garlic
- 3 large stalks celery ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 (19 oz.) can cannellini beans ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can light kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can Great Northern beans ⓘ
- 3 c. chicken stock
- 2 (28 oz.) cans whole tomatoes and juice ⓘ
- 1 c. cooked elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 1 rounded Tbsp. salt sense ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper seed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sweet basil
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. marjoram ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground chuck in a skillet with salt sense and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Simmer, covered, with 1 cup water until the meat is tender.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, minced garlic, chopped celery, and julienned carrots.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are transparent.
- Add cooked ground meat, cannellini beans or light kidney beans, Great Northern beans, chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, and remaining ingredients (except macaroni).
- Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Add cooked elbow macaroni and simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
- If mixture is too thick, add more chicken stock or water.
- Serve hot with bread sticks and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought. You can substitute ground chuck with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more beans or lentils. Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of red pepper seed to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese for a classic touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian Green Beans or crusty bread to soak up the rich broth. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Chicken Parmesan(Aunt Sue'S Recipe) or a simple green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta e fagioli in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water if it has thickened. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta E Fagioli contains roughly 904 calories, with 65g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (171% of the Daily Value), protein (129% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (126% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1139mg per serving (50% 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 pasta e fagioli ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving. However, add the macaroni just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
What type of beans work best in this recipe?
Cannellini beans and Great Northern beans are traditional choices for pasta e fagioli, but you can also use navy beans or even chickpeas for a different texture. Feel free to mix and match based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is pasta e fagioli gluten-free?
The traditional recipe is not gluten-free due to the use of elbow macaroni. However, you can easily adapt it by using gluten-free pasta or omitting the pasta altogether and increasing the bean quantity for a hearty, gluten-free meal.
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).