Recipe

10 Pasta Fagioli Recipes Better Than Restaurants

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Pasta Fagioli, also known as Pasta e Fagioli, is an Italian pasta dish prepared with beans, vegetables, and spices for a nutritious meal for people of all ages. It was initially considered a peasant dish due to its simple and affordable ingredients, mainly consisting of pasta, beans, and vegetables. However, over time, Pasta Fagioli has evolved into a beloved staple in Italian cuisine, making its way to restaurants and kitchens worldwide.

Since there are several combinations that can be prepared with these ingredients, here are 10 Pasta Fagioli Recipes that are even better than the ones you find in restaurants:

1. Classic Pasta Fagioli

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Pasta Fagioli, also known as pasta fazool, is a traditional Italian soup that is beloved for its comforting and hearty flavors. This dish originated in the regions of Campania and Lazio, where it was commonly made by Italian families using simple and affordable ingredients.

The base of the soup consists of a rich tomato broth, which is infused with aromatic herbs such as oregano, basil, and bay leaves. It is further enhanced by the addition of garlic, onions, and carrots. The star ingredients of this soup are the pasta and beans. Small pasta shapes, like ditalini or elbow macaroni, are commonly used, along with either cannellini or borlotti beans.

2. Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli

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This hearty Italian dish is perfect for those following a vegetarian or plant-based diet. It combines pasta, beans, vegetables, and aromatic herbs to make a nutritious meal. Beans are the star ingredients in the dish. Traditionally, cannellini beans are used, but you can also use kidney beans or any other variety of beans you prefer. They add a creamy texture and a hearty element to the dish.

The pasta used in this recipe can be any short pasta shape like macaroni or ditalini. The pasta is cooked until al dente and then added to the simmering pot of vegetables and beans. It is usually cooked with veggies like onions, carrots, celery, and garlic for added flavor and texture in the soup.

3. Spicy Pasta Fagioli

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If you're one of those who prefer a spicy kick to their food, this soup recipe might just be the one for you. It is a popular comfort food prepared with spicy Italian sausages that provide a kick of heat to the dish. It is perfect for cold winter nights or anytime you crave a warm and satisfying meal.

In addition to the sausages, the dish also contains a base of sautéed onions, garlic, and carrots. Diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth are responsible for the flavorful broth. This is where the pasta is cooked, soaking up all the delicious flavors and becoming tender and al dente.

4. Creamy Pasta Fagioli

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This version of Pasta Fagioli combines the rich flavors of pasta, beans, and a creamy tomato-based sauce. The creamy sauce is prepared by adding tomato paste and diced tomatoes with a touch of heavy cream or milk. Once the sauce is ready, pasta is added to the mix. Make sure to use smaller pasta as it helps thicken the sauce.

Lastly, the dish is finished off with a generous amount of cooked beans. All the elements used in the dish are selected so as to increase the creaminess of the pasta. You can serve it on its own during a chilly wintry evening.

5. Kale and White Bean Pasta Fagioli

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Kale, a leafy green vegetable, is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and K, and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It adds a vibrant green color and a slightly bitter taste to the dish. White beans, on the other hand, are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.

These two ingredients make this dish extremely nutritious and flavorful. The addition of onions, garlic, tomatoes, and broth helps elevate the flavor of the dish. The pasta used in the soup can be elbow macaroni or small shells, which are cooked until al dente. Since the ingredients used are plant-diet friendly, these can be enjoyed by both vegetarians and vegans.

6. Pasta Fagioli with Pancetta

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Pasta Fagioli with Pancetta, also known as Pasta e Fagioli, is a staple in Italian cuisine and is loved by many for its simplicity and deliciousness. Pancetta is a common ingredient in Italian soups and pasta. It is often added to incorporate a rich and smoky taste to the dish, while also complementing the other ingredients.

The other ingredients remain the same but aromatics like rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves are added so as to cut through the richness of the fatty meat. Use chicken stock to cook the pasta of your choice as the soup thickens. You can further customize the dish based on your preference with the addition of vegetables of your choice.

7. Tuscan Pasta Fagioli

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Tuscan Pasta Fagioli is a soup dish made with pasta, cannellini beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. It is a relatively easy soup to make, but it does take some time to simmer in order for the flavors to develop. The soup can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. If you are making the soup on the stovetop, simmer it for at least 1 hour, or until the pasta and beans are tender. If you are making the soup in a slow cooker, cook it on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pasta and beans are tender.

The key ingredients of this soup include pasta, cannellini beans, tomatoes, vegetables, and herbs. The vegetables, usually carrots, celery, and onions, add a depth of flavor and nutritional value.

8. Pasta Fagioli with Bacon

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Similar to Pancetta, bacon is often added to soups and pasta to add a smoky flavor. Bacon is a savory cut of meat with a lot of flavorful fat. Once you cook bacon, it leaves drippings in the form of fat. This fat is then used to saute other ingredients of the dish so that the flavors remain intact within the dish.

The pasta is cooked in soup prepared with tomato sauce and chicken broth. Once cooked, it is served piping hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. The addition of aromatics like thyme and rosemary leaves help elevate the flavor profile of the dish.

9. Pasta Fagioli with Chicken

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The addition of chicken to a pasta dish is not a new occurrence. The lean meat of chicken pairs well with the starchy pasta and the rich creamy tomato sauce. There are several ways to incorporate chicken in this recipe. You can either use ground chicken meat to thicken the soup and add flavor throughout. Similarly, you can also add sauteed chicken to the dish after the pasta is cooked. One thing to note here is that the meat has to be seasoned and cooked separately before adding it to the pasta soup.

It is a low-fat dish so it is a good meal for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. The addition of chicken instead of fatty meat of beef or pork also helps to keep the dish healthy.

10. Pasta Fagioli with Sausage and Spinach

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The last dish on this list is somewhat of a fusion of two other dishes on this list. The addition of both sausage and spinach to pasta is not fairly new in Italian cuisine, however, the combination of these ingredients makes for a crowd-pleasing variation to this dish. The richness of sausage pairs well with the earthiness of spinach, further enhanced by the comforting flavors of pasta and beans. There is a balance of both flavors and textures in this dish.

To start, Italian sausage is browned in a large pot, releasing its aromatic flavors and adding a touch of spiciness to the dish. The sausage is then removed from the pot, leaving behind its flavorful drippings. Chopped onions, garlic, and carrots are sautéed in the same pot. Once cooked, chicken broth is added along with tomatoes and beans. This combination of ingredients creates a rich and flavorful broth that serves as the base of the soup on which go the pasta.