Pasta Fagioli (Beans)
A hearty Italian-inspired pasta fagioli with bacon, beans, and savory sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings that crave robust flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sear bacon until most of the fat has melted.
- Discard all melted fat and put bacon aside.
- Sear onion in olive oil until slightly brown.
- Add Del Monte sauce and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in bacon and pork and beans.
- Sprinkle with sweet basil and heat for 2 more minutes.
- In a large pot, cook ditalini macaroni as directed, adding salt to the water.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the bean and sauce mixture, mixing very well.
- Heat together for 3 minutes and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic when sautéing the onion. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the bacon with smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor. Using homemade or store-bought vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the pasta can enhance the dish further. Feel free to experiment with different types of beans or pasta shapes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty pasta fagioli with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil on top. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping. For a complete meal, consider a fresh side salad or some roasted vegetables. This dish is also excellent alongside Italian recipes like Grandma'S Lasagna.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta fagioli on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Fagioli (Beans) contains roughly 1093 calories, with 7g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 100g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value), iron (12% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 921mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta fagioli ahead of time. Just follow the recipe but stop before adding the cooked pasta. Store the bean mixture separately, and when ready to serve, reheat it and add freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.
What can I use instead of ditalini macaroni?
If you can't find ditalini, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or mini shells. These alternatives will work well in this dish, maintaining the balance of flavors and textures.
Is it possible to freeze pasta fagioli?
Yes, you can freeze pasta fagioli, but it’s best to freeze the bean mixture separately from the pasta. The pasta may become mushy when reheated. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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).