Pasta Fagioli(Macaroni And Beans)
Creamy, hearty Pasta Fagioli combines pasta, beans, and tomato sauce with aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings. Rich and flavorful.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute the onion and garlic in olive oil until soft but not browned.
- Add tomato sauce and simmer for about 1 hour.
- Drain the cannellini beans, reserving one cup of liquid for the sauce.
- Add the reserved bean liquid to the sauce and cook, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes thick and smooth.
- Add the drained beans, sugar, salt, pepper, and oregano or Italian seasoning. Cook for 15 minutes longer.
- Cook the ditalini macaroni according to package directions, about 10 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain the macaroni very well in a colander until completely liquid-free.
- Add the drained macaroni to the beans and sauce mixture.
- Heat everything together for about 5 minutes until very hot.
- Serve with lots of grated Romano cheese and a loaf of Italian bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier version, consider adding diced carrots and celery when sautéing the onion and garlic. If you prefer a vegetarian option, ensure the tomato sauce is meat-free. Adjust the sugar based on the acidity of your tomato sauce—start with less and taste as you go. For a twist, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Pair this dish with a side of Italian recipes for an authentic meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pasta Fagioli hot, garnished with freshly grated Romano cheese for added flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a loaf of crusty Italian bread for dipping. Consider a simple green salad or Italian-style zucchini-pasta as a refreshing side to balance the meal. For a complete dining experience, you might also enjoy a glass of red wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Fagioli(Macaroni And Beans) contains roughly 229 calories, with 2g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1851mg per serving (80% 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 different types of beans in Pasta Fagioli?
Yes, you can substitute cannellini beans with other varieties like kidney beans or chickpeas. Each type adds its unique texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences.
How can I make Pasta Fagioli vegan?
To make this dish vegan, ensure that your tomato sauce is free from any animal products, and use vegetable broth instead of any meat-based liquids. All other ingredients are already plant-based, making it easy to adapt.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add a bit of the reserved bean liquid, water, or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. Stir continuously while adding the liquid until you achieve the right texture.
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).