Pasta Fagiole
A hearty Italian-inspired pasta fagiole featuring cannellini beans, garlic, and romaine, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners or when craving rustic, flavorful comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute garlic and chopped romaine in a small amount of oil until fragrant and wilted.
- Add spaghetti sauce and cannellini beans to the skillet and simmer for a few minutes.
- Cook ditalini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain, reserving 2 cups of cooking water.
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved water to the sauce mixture, stirring well.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding Italian Hot Sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick. If you don't have ditalini pasta, any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or small shells can be substituted. You can also use canned white beans if cannellini aren't available. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the dish if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with Crostini Alle Olive (Fried Bread With Olives) for a delightful appetizer. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a simple green salad or Italian Style Kale to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or additional spaghetti sauce to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Fagiole contains roughly 870 calories, with 33g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (66% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value), and iron (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1455mg per serving (63% 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 recipe vegan?
Yes, to make this dish vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. Ensure that the spaghetti sauce you use is also vegan-friendly, or make your own from scratch using tomatoes and herbs.
What can I use instead of cannellini beans?
If you don't have cannellini beans, great alternatives include navy beans or great northern beans. Both will provide a similar texture and flavor profile. You can also use chickpeas for a different but delicious twist.
How can I make this dish more filling?
To make Pasta Fagiole more filling, consider adding cooked sausage or ground turkey to the sauce mixture. Additionally, incorporating more vegetables like spinach or zucchini can enhance the nutritional value without compromising the dish's essence.
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).