Quick Pasta E Fagioli
A comforting, flavorful pasta e fagioli with vegetables, herbs, and tender pasta, perfect for a quick, hearty meal that suits any weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced ⓘ
- 1 medium carrot, cut into 1/2 inch dice ⓘ
- 1 can vegetable or chicken broth (1 3/4 c.) ⓘ
- 2 1/4 c. water
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 c. small pasta shells ⓘ
- 1 c. (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 can (15 or 16 oz.) white or pinto beans, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh sage or basil, or 1 tsp. dried ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a heavy medium sauce pan over medium heat.
- Add onion, celery, and carrot; sauté, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes.
- Add broth and water, cover, and bring to a boil.
- Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and pasta; cook, uncovered, over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-8 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using homemade vegetable broth instead of store-bought. If you prefer a heartier dish, you can substitute the small pasta shells with ditalini or any small pasta you have on hand. Fresh herbs like basil or sage can elevate the flavor profile, but dried herbs work just as well if fresh aren’t available. Ensure to cook the pasta until al dente for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Quick Pasta E Fagioli pairs beautifully with Bruschetta(Toasted Bread With Tomatoes) for a delightful starter. A simple green salad or Northern Italian Broccoli Salad makes a refreshing side. For an authentic Italian meal, serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. This dish also works well as a comforting lunch option, especially during colder months.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the pasta and prevent it from becoming too thick. You can reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Pasta E Fagioli contains roughly 1528 calories, with 17g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 121g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (228% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (138% of the Daily Value), and iron (125% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 573mg per serving (25% 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, you can easily make this recipe vegan by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensuring the pasta is egg-free. Most small pasta shells are vegan, but it's always good to check the packaging. This way, you can enjoy a delicious and hearty vegan meal without sacrificing flavor.
What other beans can I use in this recipe?
While white or pinto beans are traditional, you can substitute them with cannellini beans, black beans, or even chickpeas for a different flavor and texture. Just ensure they're drained and rinsed before adding them to the soup to keep the dish fresh and clean.
How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
To add some heat, you can include a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables or top the finished dish with a drizzle of hot sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, stick with the original ingredients, as the garlic and herbs will provide plenty of flavor without heat.
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).