Pasta Fagouli
A hearty, flavorful pasta and bean dish featuring garlic, spinach, and herbs, perfect for a quick, satisfying vegetarian meal with a touch of spice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute the chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
- Add the can of white kidney beans, frozen spinach, and cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet.
- Pour in the can of chicken broth and season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the mixture until heated through and flavors meld.
- Add Tabasco sauce and chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end. You can substitute the white kidney beans with cannellini beans if preferred. Fresh spinach can replace frozen; just sauté it briefly before adding to the pot. Adjust the level of Tabasco sauce according to your spice preference, or use a different hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pasta Fagouli with a sprinkle of additional parsley on top for freshness. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a Mediterranean touch, consider serving it alongside Greek Style Chicken Livers or a light dessert to finish the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Fagouli contains roughly 438 calories, with 15g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (213% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (156% of the Daily Value), and calcium (128% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1399mg per serving (61% 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 vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. This will maintain the flavor profile while making the dish suitable for vegetarians. You can also enhance the umami flavor by adding a splash of soy sauce or tamari.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Pasta Fagouli gluten-free, use gluten-free elbow macaroni or any gluten-free pasta of your choice. Ensure that the chicken broth and all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
What can I add for extra protein?
For extra protein, you can add cooked diced chicken, turkey, or even crumbled sausage to the dish. Tofu or tempeh are great vegetarian options as well. Simply sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the rest of the ingredients.
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).