Hearty, soothing, and flavorful, Ina Garten’s Pasta Fagioli is a traditional Italian soup that never fails to satisfy. This nourishing recipe combines tender pasta, creamy cannellini beans, and a delicious tomato broth to create a comforting dish perfect for a quiet evening at home or a hearty midday meal.
Why You’ll Love This Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Ina Garten’s take on this classic soup is nothing short of amazing, and there are several reasons why it will win your heart:
- Simple and Accessible Ingredients: The recipe calls for easy-to-find and budget-friendly ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen pantry.
- Hearty and Filling: Made with tender pasta, creamy cannellini beans, and a rich tomato broth, this soup will leave you feeling satisfied and content.
- Customizable: Adjust the level of spiciness, the amount of vegetables, or even the type of pasta according to your preferences and taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prepping: You can prepare this soup in advance, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. Just reheat it when you’re ready to eat.
- Delicious Leftovers: The flavors of this Pasta Fagioli only get better with time, making it a fantastic option for a quick and flavorful lunch throughout the week.
Overall, Ina Garten’s Pasta Fagioli recipe offers a delightful, hearty, and versatile soup that is easy to make and suitable for various occasions.
What Is Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe?
Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe is a classic Italian soup combining al dente pasta, creamy cannellini beans, and a rich broth. Ina Garten’s rendition of this traditional dish adds a touch of simplicity and flavor that sets it apart.
Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Ingredients:
- Two tablespoons of olive oil
- One onion, diced
- Two carrots diced
- Two stalks of celery, diced
- Four cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (28-ounce) cans of crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 (15-ounce) cans of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- Salt and pepper
- 1 pound ditalini pasta
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
How To Cut Vegetables For Pasta Fagioli?
When preparing vegetables for Pasta Fagioli, it’s crucial to ensure they are evenly sized to provide uniform cooking. Follow these steps:
- Onion: Trim the top and bottom of the onion, cut it in half vertically, and then thinly slice it from top to bottom.
- Carrots: Peel and halve the carrots lengthwise, then cut them into thin half-moons.
- Celery: Remove the top and bottom of the celery stalks, halve them lengthwise, and then cut them into thin half-moons.
- Garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and finely mince or press them.
How To Make Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli:
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic and cook until the vegetables are soft about 10 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and cannellini beans to the pot—season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
- In the meantime, cook the pasta in a separate pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Add the cooked pasta to the soup and cook for 5 minutes or until the pasta is heated.
- If desired, serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
How Long To Cook Pasta Fagioli?
Pasta Fagioli is a stovetop soup and does not require baking. The preparation time typically takes around 55 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the pot and the ingredients used. Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente and the flavors have time to develop.
Recipe Tips
Follow these tips for the best version of Barefoot Contessa’s Pasta Fagioli:
- Quality Broth: Use high-quality chicken broth to enhance the soup’s flavor.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Let it simmer to reduce and thicken if too watery.
- Fresh Parsley: Use fresh parsley for vibrant color and flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Add grated cheese just before serving for a nutty and salty flavor.
- Make Ahead: Store the soup in the refrigerator or freezer, modifying the consistency when reheating.
- Serve with Bread: Pair the soup with crusty bread for the best experience.
What To Serve With Pasta Fagioli?
Pasta Fagioli is versatile and pairs well with various dishes, including:
- Shrimp: Serve with Rosat, Shrimp Fajitas, or Skillet Garlic Shrimp.
- Salad: Balance the richness with a simple salad and vinaigrette dressing.
- Rice: Accompany with a side of rice for added substance.
- Corned Beef And Cabbage: Pair with Corned Beef And Cabbage for a different taste.
- Chili: Enjoy alongside Turkey Chili or Vegetarian Chili for a hearty meal.
Ultimately, whatever you enjoy most is the best accompaniment for your Pasta Fagioli!
How To Store Leftovers
To store any leftover Pasta Fagioli, use one of the following methods:
- Refrigerator: Let the soup cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep for up to five days in the fridge after opening.
- Freezer: Allow the soup to cool, then store it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. It can be kept for up to three months in the freezer after opening. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
- Canning: For long-term storage, consider canning the soup if you have a pressure canner. Properly released, the soup can last up to a year.
Remember to label the container with the date and soup type. Store the pasta separately from the soup to avoid it becoming mushy when stored.
How To Reheat Leftovers
You can reheat Pasta Fagioli using various methods:
- Stovetop: Heat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring regularly until thoroughly warmed.
- Microwave: Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Slow Cooker: Transfer the soup to a slow cooker and heat on the lowest setting for 2-3 hours until heated through.
Remember to reheat the pasta separately to avoid overcooking.
FAQ Section
Q: What is the difference between pasta fagioli and pasta fazool?
A: The only difference between pasta fagioli and pasta fazool is the spelling: pasta fagioli is the Italian spelling, while pasta fazool is the Americanized spelling. Both names refer to the same dish—a delicious combination of pasta and beans cooked in a flavorful broth.
Q: Do You Boil Pasta First for Pasta Fagioli?
A: No, you don’t need to boil the pasta separately. The pasta is cooked directly in the broth until it reaches the desired “al dente” texture in this recipe.
Q: Can I make Pasta Fagioli ahead?
A: Absolutely! Pasta Fagioli can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it on the stovetop when ready to serve.
Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Nutrition Facts (per 1 cup):
- Calories: 500
- Total Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
- Sodium: 474 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 73 g
- Dietary Fiber: 10 g
- Sugars: 6 g
- Protein: 20 g
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