Pasta Fagioli(Pasta Fazool)
A comforting Italian pasta and bean soup with garlic, tomato sauce, cannellini beans, and pasta, topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan, perfect for hearty, family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, cook garlic in olive oil until just browned.
- Add tomato sauce and water, then let cook for 10 minutes.
- Add cannellini beans and stir, then continue to simmer on low heat.
- Cook ditalini macaroni until al dente, then drain.
- Add cooked macaroni to the bean mixture and stir.
- Add a little water if the mixture gets too thick.
- Stir in chopped fresh parsley.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and serve with a smile!
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding diced carrots or celery when cooking the garlic. If you don’t have ditalini, any small pasta shape will work in this Pasta Fagioli. For a vegetarian twist, use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pasta Fagioli hot, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with Italian Popcorn for a light appetizer. A simple side salad or crusty bread complements the dish well, making it a satisfying meal. For a complete Italian experience, consider serving it alongside Mary Ann's Fettucine Zucchini.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to loosen the mixture, then warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. It can also be microwaved in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Fagioli(Pasta Fazool) contains roughly 508 calories, with 19g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 860mg per serving (37% 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 other types of beans in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute cannellini beans with other varieties like kidney beans or black beans. However, keep in mind that this may alter the flavor and texture slightly, so choose based on your preference for taste and look.
Is this pasta dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, Pasta Fagioli can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove, adding a bit of water if needed.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. Additionally, ensure your vegetable broth or any added ingredients are also vegan-friendly for a delicious plant-based 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).