Pasta E Fagioli(Macaroni And Beans)
Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty Italian soup featuring tender pasta and beans in a savory tomato broth, flavored with garlic, onion, herbs, and parsley. Its comforting, robust flavors make it perfect for a satisfying meal, especially in cooler weather or when craving a wholesome, filling dish.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup salad or olive oil ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can Italian tomatoes (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 quarts boiling water ⓘ
- 1/2 package (7 or 8 oz.) shell macaroni, elbow macaroni or other tubular pasta ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked pasta ⓘ
Instructions
- In hot oil in a 5-quart Dutch oven or heavy kettle, sauté garlic and onion, stirring, until golden, about 5 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, oregano, and parsley.
- Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
- Mash the tomatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding diced carrots or celery while sautéing the vegetables. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of water and omit the salt if using canned beans. You can also substitute canned white beans for a creamier texture. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and feel free to experiment with different herbs such as thyme or basil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pasta E Fagioli with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for added flavor and color. It pairs beautifully with Italian Cream Cake With Frosting for dessert. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad or crusty bread like 100% Parmesan Bread to soak up the delicious broth.
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 loosen the pasta, and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the dish becomes too thick, adding a little more liquid will help restore its original consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta E Fagioli(Macaroni And Beans) contains roughly 1411 calories, with 125g protein, 210g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (592% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (440% of the Daily Value), and protein (249% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 beans, but they will require soaking and cooking beforehand. This will add extra time to your preparation, so keep that in mind. If using dried beans, make sure to cook them until tender before adding them to the sauce.
What other types of pasta work well in this recipe?
While shell or elbow macaroni are traditional, you can use any tubular pasta like ziti or penne. Just ensure that the pasta is able to hold the sauce well. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, Pasta E Fagioli freezes well. Store it in an airtight container, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and add a little water to restore its creamy consistency.
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).