Hearty Pasta e Fagioli: A Comforting Weeknight Dinner
45
min
214
Calories
6g
Fats
33g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Dive into the heartwarming flavors of our Pasta e Fagioli recipe, a perfect blend of tender pasta, creamy beans, and aromatic vegetables, all simmered to perfection. It's a nutritious, comforting meal that's sure to satisfy your family on any chilly evening.
Ingredients:
Step 1: Saute Onions
Begin this cozy journey by warming up your large stock pan over a medium-high flame. Drizzle in the olive oil, then add diced onion, transforming it into a tender, glossy, and fragrant base. This simple yet crucial step lays the groundwork for a dish bursting with flavor.
Pro Tip: Keep the heat on medium to prevent the onions from burning.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Garlic
Swiftly move to stirring in the diced tomatoes or marinara, followed by garlic, ensuring they're harmoniously integrated into the onion mixture. This step should be brief, just long enough to awaken the robust flavors without turning the garlic into a bitter memory.
Pro Tip: Fresh garlic enhances the dish's overall depth of flavor.
Step 3: Liquid Addition and Pasta
Transition into a soothing simmer by pouring in the vegetable stock and water, sprinkling the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for that kick. Once the broth boils, introduce the pasta, letting it dance and soften slightly in the bubbling pot. The goal here is an 'al dente' texture, as cooking continues once beans are added.
Pro Tip: Adjust seasoning based on the stock's saltiness.
Step 4: Incorporate Beans
Now, for the heart and soul: beans. Their creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the pasta, thickening the soup and adding levels of comfort to each spoonful. Simmer until everything melds into a harmonious pot of goodness, with pasta just tender and beans warming through.
Pro Tip: Rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium.
Step 5: Final Touches
As the cooking episode nears its end, sprinkle the chopped parsley into the mix, introducing a fresh pop of color and flavor. Give the pot a loving stir, taste, and tweak the seasoning to your heart's desire. This is your moment to ensure every bite will be a delight.
Pro Tip: Fresh herbs added at the end retain their vibrant color and flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the hearty Pasta e Fagioli into bowls, an inviting and steaming welcome to sit and savor. Garnish with a snowy sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, or a dusting of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version. It's more than just a meal; it's a warm hug served up on a chilly evening.
Pro Tip: Offer crusty bread on the side for the ultimate comfort meal.
