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Easy Pasta Fagioli

Easy Pasta Fagioli
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Easy Pasta Fagioli is a quick and comforting Italian soup that combines tender small pasta and creamy cannellini beans in a savory broth infused with garlic, onion, tomato paste, and fresh herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this hearty dish offers a perfect balance of protein and fiber, making it an ideal all-season meal that is both budget-friendly and kid-approved.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Beans and Pasta

  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni)

Herbs and Seasoning

  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant to build the soup base.
  2. Build the Broth: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer, preparing the flavorful liquid for pasta and beans.
  3. Add Beans and Herbs: Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans along with fresh rosemary sprigs into the simmering broth. Let simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld and the herbs to infuse the soup.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Add the small pasta to the pot and cook according to package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensuring the pasta absorbs the broth flavors.
  5. Season and Serve: Remove rosemary sprigs from the soup. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in chopped parsley, ladle the soup into bowls, and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Use small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni for the best bite and broth absorption.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; al dente is ideal as it continues to soften after cooking and when reheated.
  • Rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and starch for a cleaner taste and better texture.
  • Fresh herbs such as rosemary and parsley enhance the brightness and flavor far more than dried herbs.
  • Simmer the soup gently instead of boiling to preserve flavor clarity and prevent cloudy broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pasta Fagioli, Italian soup, cannellini beans, easy pasta soup, quick Italian recipe, cozy soup, bean soup, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/easy-pasta-fagioli/