Pasta Fazool (Pasta e Fagioli)

A delightful dish that warms the soul, Pasta Fazool (Pasta e Fagioli) is a hearty one-pot meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. This comforting recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a satisfying and nutritious bowl of goodness. Perfect for any occasion, it’s not only easy to prepare but also offers rich flavors that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein and fiber, Pasta Fazool is both filling and nutritious.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or beans.
• All-in-One Meal: It’s a complete meal in one pot, reducing cleanup time while maximizing flavor.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy this comforting classic, making it a hit at the dinner table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential kitchen tools. These will help ensure that your Pasta Fazool turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution for cooking all ingredients properly in one pot.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precision when chopping vegetables like onions and carrots, which enhances texture and flavor.

Ingredients

A yummy one-pot meal that is super easy to make! Pasta Fazool is healthy comfort food that satisfies the whole family using commonly found ingredients!

For the Base

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, casings removed)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 carrots (diced)
• 2 stalks celery (diced)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Sauce

• 3 cups tomato sauce
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 15 ounces fire roasted tomatoes (do not drain)
• 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning

For the Pasta and Beans

• 1 cup dry pasta (I use ditalini)
• 15 ounces red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 ounces cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)

Seasoning & Garnish

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoons pepper
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped finely)

How to Make Pasta Fazool (Pasta e Fagioli)

Step 1: Cook the Meat

Heat 1 Tbs olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or sausage, stirring occasionally until cooked through. Remove meat from the pot, and drain the fat off.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Heat remaining 2 Tbs olive oil in the dutch oven. Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until veggies are softened.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Add garlic to the pot and cook for about 30 seconds while stirring to release its flavor.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add chicken stock, tomato sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, Italian seasoning, cooked meat, and ditalini pasta to the pot.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring everything to a boil. Then reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and let simmer for about 15 minutes until vegetables are tender and pasta is cooked.

Step 6: Add Beans

Stir in kidney beans and cannellini beans. Cook for an additional few minutes to heat through.

Step 7: Season & Serve

Season with salt and pepper. Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving. Enjoy your delicious Pasta Fazool!

How to Serve Pasta Fazool (Pasta e Fagioli)

Pasta Fazool is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as a comforting side, these suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

Classic Serving

• Serve in warm bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for added color and flavor.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair with slices of crusty bread for dipping. This adds texture and makes the meal even more filling.

Topped with Cheese

• Add some grated parmesan or mozzarella on top just before serving. It melts beautifully and enhances the dish’s richness.

Alongside a Salad

• Serve with a fresh green salad. The crispness of the salad complements the warm soup perfectly.

As Leftovers

• Enjoy the next day! Pasta Fazool tastes even better after sitting overnight, as the flavors meld beautifully.

How to Perfect Pasta Fazool (Pasta e Fagioli)

Creating the perfect Pasta Fazool requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Use quality ingredients – Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality broth. This will significantly enhance the flavor profile of your soup.
• Cook pasta al dente – This prevents it from becoming mushy during cooking and keeps the texture enjoyable.
• Add herbs at the right time – Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley towards the end for maximum flavor without losing their freshness.
• Adjust seasoning – Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving to ensure balanced flavors.
• Let it rest – Allowing your Pasta Fazool to sit for a few minutes after cooking lets flavors develop further.
• Experiment with beans – Feel free to mix different types of beans for added texture and nutrition.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta Fazool (Pasta e Fagioli)

Pairing side dishes with Pasta Fazool can make your meal complete. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic choice, toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of this delicious soup.

2. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing contrast to the warm Pasta Fazool.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted veggies add nutrients and color, making them a nutritious companion to the soup.

4. Antipasto Platter
   A selection of olives, artichokes, and roasted peppers provides a variety of flavors that pair well with Italian cuisine.

5. Stuffed Peppers
   These can be filled with rice or quinoa, adding another layer of comfort food to your meal.

6. Cornbread
   Sweet cornbread balances out the savory flavors of Pasta Fazool wonderfully, creating an inviting meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pasta Fazool (Pasta e Fagioli) can be simple, but a few common mistakes can impact the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Bold ingredient choices: Using low-quality or canned ingredients can lead to a bland taste. Opt for high-quality tomatoes and fresh vegetables for better flavor.
• Bold cooking time misjudgments: Overcooking the pasta will result in mushy noodles. Follow the cooking times closely and add pasta just before serving.
• Bold seasoning errors: Under-seasoning can make your dish taste flat. Be sure to taste and adjust seasonings as you go, especially with salt and pepper.
• Bold neglecting the broth: Skimping on chicken stock can lead to a watery soup. Use a good amount of broth for richer flavor and texture.
• Bold skipping the garnish: Forgetting fresh herbs like parsley can rob your dish of freshness. Always finish with chopped parsley for an extra burst of flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pasta Fazool (Pasta e Fagioli)

• Divide into portions before freezing for easier thawing.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pasta Fazool (Pasta e Fagioli)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pasta Fazool (Pasta e Fagioli)?

Pasta Fazool is a hearty Italian soup that combines pasta and beans with flavorful vegetables, making it a comforting one-pot meal.

Can I use different types of beans in Pasta Fazool?

Yes! Feel free to substitute other beans like black beans or navy beans based on your preference.

Is Pasta Fazool (Pasta e Fagioli) healthy?

Absolutely! This dish is packed with protein from the beans and beef, along with plenty of vegetables, making it nutritious and filling.

How can I customize my Pasta Fazool?

You can add spinach or kale for extra greens or swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a delicious vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

Pasta Fazool (Pasta e Fagioli) is not only comforting but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious meal that brings everyone together!