Pasta e Fagioli (Italian Pasta and Bean Soup)

Pasta e Fagioli (which means “pasta and beans” in Italian) is a classic Italian soup that’s hearty, comforting, and full of flavor. This dish is traditionally made with small pasta, beans (usually cannellini or borlotti), and vegetables in a savory broth. It’s a delicious and nutritious meal that can be served as a soup or a thick stew. Here’s a traditional recipe for Pasta e Fagioli:

Pasta e Fagioli (Italian Pasta and Bean Soup)

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans (or borlotti beans), drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Add the garlic, carrot, and celery, and sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

2. Add the Beans and Tomatoes:

• Add the cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
• Add the oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Cook the Pasta:

• While the soup is simmering, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Alternatively, you can add the dry pasta directly into the soup and cook it in the broth. If you prefer this method, make sure the soup has enough liquid to accommodate the pasta. Add extra water or broth if needed and simmer until the pasta is tender, about 10 minutes.

4. Blend the Soup (Optional):

• For a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup (about half) directly in the pot. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer a few cups of soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot. This step is optional but creates a thicker, heartier base.

5. Combine and Simmer:

• If you’ve cooked the pasta separately, add it to the soup at this point. Stir to combine.
• Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the pasta is fully cooked and the flavors are well incorporated.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

6. Serve:

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
• Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Pasta e Fagioli:

• Use Quality Broth: Since the broth is the base of this soup, using a high-quality vegetable or chicken broth will make a big difference in flavor.
• Beans: You can also use other types of beans like borlotti or kidney beans, but cannellini beans are the most traditional. If you want a more rustic texture, mash some of the beans in the soup to thicken the broth.
• Add Greens: Some variations of pasta e fagioli include leafy greens like spinach or kale. Add a couple of handfuls of chopped spinach or kale in the last 10 minutes of cooking for added color and nutrients.
• Make Ahead: This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. You can refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, just add a bit more broth or water when reheating.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to dip into the soup.
• A simple green salad with a lemony dressing would complement the hearty flavors of the soup nicely.

Pasta e Fagioli is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings the essence of Italian home cooking to your table. It’s easy to make, nourishing, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!