Red Pasta Fagioli(Calabrese Style)
A hearty Calabrese-style red pasta e fagioli featuring rich tomato flavors, herbs, and beans, perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings with crusty Italian bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the tomato sauce and tomato paste with an equal amount of water in a pan; add parsley, garlic, basil, oregano, bay leaves, and sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Add the Great Northern beans and cooked vermicelli to the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, thin with the water used to cook the vermicelli.
- Pour the soup into bowls and season with Parmesan cheese.
- Dip buttered Italian bread into the soup and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the garlic and herbs in olive oil before adding them to the sauce. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can substitute Great Northern beans with cannellini beans or any white bean of your choice. Fresh herbs can replace dried ones, but use them in smaller quantities as they are more potent.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Red Pasta Fagioli with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for added richness. A side of buttered Italian bread is perfect for dipping. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a light salad dressed with Sour Cream Italian Dressing or a slice of Italian Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Pasta Fagioli(Calabrese Style) contains roughly 640 calories, with 26g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (119% of the Daily Value), and calcium (81% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 878mg per serving (38% 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?
Yes, this Red Pasta Fagioli recipe is naturally vegetarian as it uses beans and vegetables as its base. Ensure that the tomato sauce and paste are free from meat ingredients. You can also boost the flavor with more herbs or add vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
How do I make the soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans before adding them to the sauce or let the soup simmer longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, add more cooked vermicelli to the mixture, which will absorb some of the broth and create a heartier texture.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh tomatoes, you'll need about 2-3 pounds. Blanch, peel, and chop them before adding them to the pot. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require additional seasoning and a longer cooking time to reach the desired flavor and consistency.
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).