Traditional Pasta e Fagioli Recipe – Dinner, then Dessert

Traditional Pasta e Fagioli Recipe – Dinner, then Dessert

In the heart of every home, there’s a dish that cradles memories, invites loved ones around the table, and evokes the warmth of family gatherings. For many, that dish is a comforting bowl of Pasta e Fagioli. This Traditional Pasta e Fagioli Recipe – Dinner, then Dessert brings the essence of Italian country kitchens right into your home, filling your kitchen with the aroma of garlic, herbs, and rich, savory broth. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a special family dinner, this recipe is your ticket to creating a moment that feels like home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons why this Traditional Pasta e Fagioli Recipe – Dinner, then Dessert will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Comforting: Each spoonful embraces you like a warm hug on a cool night, making it perfect for cozy evenings in.
• Flavorful: A symphony of garlic, beans, and tomatoes brings depth to every bite, satisfying both your taste buds and your soul.
• Tradition: Rooted in Italian heritage, this dish is a delicious way to carry on culinary traditions.
• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, you can whip this up faster than you can order takeout!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the hearty flavors and delightful texture.
• Versatile: It’s easily customizable to fit any dietary preference, adding to its charm!

Ingredients

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To create this comforting Italian staple, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Pasta: Any small variety like ditalini or elbow macaroni. Drop in the pasta just before serving for perfect al dente texture.
• Canned Cannellini Beans: Creamy and nourishing, they add protein and heartiness to the dish.
• Olive Oil: For that luscious, rich base and a flavor boost.
• Garlic: Minced. The more, the merrier—it’s the aromatic soul of this dish!
• Onion: Diced, for sweetness and depth.
• Carrot and Celery: These classic additions bring freshness and crunch.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: For a rich, tangy backdrop.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth: To simmer everything together nicely.
• Herbs: Fresh basil and oregano for authenticity.
• Salt and Pepper: Always adjust to taste.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional): For a sprinkle of indulgence on top.

Timing

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

With this speed, you’ll be enjoying a warm, homemade meal quicker than you can flick on your favorite takeout app!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened—your kitchen will smell amazing!

2. Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices. Cook for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld.

3. Pour in the Broth: Add vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

4. Stir in the Beans: Add the cannellini beans, salt, and pepper. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

5. Cook the Pasta: Stir in the pasta of your choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

6. Finish with Herbs: Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil and oregano. Taste for seasoning.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls, top with grated Parmesan cheese if using, and gather your loved ones around the table!

Tips and Variations

• Swap Beans: Feel free to use kidney beans or chickpeas for a different texture.
• Add Greens: Toss in fresh spinach or kale toward the end for a nutritional boost.
• Make It Spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds extra heat for those who love a kick!
• Gluten-Free: Substitute traditional pasta with gluten-free options or even spiralized veggies.
• Creative Toppings: Try croutons, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a flavorful twist!

Serving Suggestions

This beautiful bowl of Pasta e Fagioli is perfect on its own, but pairing it with a crusty piece of Italian bread or a fresh side salad elevates the meal. For a complete dining experience, serve it alongside a glass of red wine—perhaps a Chianti or Montepulciano—to enhance the Italian flavors. This dish is great for cozy family dinners, festive gatherings, or even casual get-togethers with friends.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This dish keeps well and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, pour into freezer-safe containers after it cools and enjoy it for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen up the pasta.

Pro Tips from the Kitchen

1. Don’t overcook the pasta: It will continue to soak up broth if left in the pot, turning mushy.
2. Experiment with spices: A touch of thyme or rosemary can add a beautiful aroma and depth.
3. Top it off: A squeeze of lemon right before serving brightens the flavors beautifully!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Absolutely! Simply skip the Parmesan cheese and use vegetable broth.

Q: What can I do if I have leftovers?
A: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for future cozy dinners.

Q: How can I make this dish heartier?
A: Add more pasta, or toss in some diced potatoes or sausage for extra protein.

Q: Can it be made in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Combine all ingredients (except the pasta), and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add pasta about 15 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

The Traditional Pasta e Fagioli Recipe – Dinner, then Dessert is more than just a meal; it’s a beautiful reminder of family, tradition, and the joy of sharing. With each bowl, you’re creating a moment that transcends time and space, uniting loved ones over a hearty feast that’s easy to make and even easier to love. So gather your ingredients, let your kitchen fill with the warm aroma of Italian cooking, and prepare to enjoy not just delicious food, but the treasured memories crafted around your table. Don’t forget to share your creation, inspire others, and perhaps make this dish part of your family traditions!

Contents

• 1 Pasta e Fagioli
  • 1.1 Ingredients  
  • 1.2 Method 
  • 1.3 Notes

Pasta e Fagioli

A comforting Italian dish filled with flavors of garlic, beans, and tomatoes, perfect for cozy evenings and family gatherings.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups Pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni) Add just before serving for perfect al dente texture.
• 1 can Canned Cannellini Beans Adds protein and heartiness.
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For a rich base and flavor boost.
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced The aromatic soul of the dish.
• 1 medium Onion, diced Adds sweetness.
• 1 medium Carrot, diced Adds freshness.
• 1 medium Celery stalk, diced Adds crunch.
• 1 can Canned Diced Tomatoes Provides a rich and tangy backdrop.
• 4 cups Vegetable or Chicken Broth For simmering the ingredients.
• 1 tablespoon Fresh basil, chopped For authenticity.
• 1 tablespoon Fresh oregano, chopped For authenticity.
• to taste Salt Always adjust to taste.
• to taste Pepper Always adjust to taste.
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated (optional) For a sprinkle of indulgence on top.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened.

Cooking

1. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices. Cook for about 5 minutes.
2. Add vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Stir in the cannellini beans, salt, and pepper. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
4. Stir in the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
5. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil and oregano. Taste for seasoning.
6. Ladle into bowls, top with Parmesan cheese if using, and serve.

Notes

Swap beans, add greens, or make it spicy with red pepper flakes. Easily customizable for dietary preferences. Great served with Italian bread or a fresh side salad.