# Pasta Fagioli: Comfort Food At Its Best
## Introduction
A bowl of homemade Pasta Fagioli has a way of erasing the worries of the day. As the classic Italian soup filled with pasta, beans and rich tomato flavor, it’s a sure bet for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or even when you need a comforting meal that brightens up any day.
## Why Make This Recipe
This Pasta Fagioli recipe is a hearty soup that is easy to make, yet gives you a restaurant-quality result. It’s packed with delicious vegetables, savory broth, pasta, and beans, coming together as an ideal meal for weekdays and weekends alike.
## How to Make Pasta Fagioli
The step-by-step directions are easy to follow, ensuring a smooth cooking experience even for beginners.
## Ingredients:
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 stalks celery, diced
– 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 cup ditalini or small pasta of choice
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish
## Directions :
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until the onion is translucent.
2. Throw in carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add canned tomatoes, broth, thyme, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the whole mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Add cannellini and kidney beans, allow to simmer gently for about 15 minutes.
5. Follow by adding the pasta and cook until al dente, roughly 10-12 minutes.
6. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Finally, remove and discard the bay leaf, and your main meal is ready.
## How to Serve Pasta Fagioli
Serve the Pasta Fagioli while hot. You can garnish with shaved Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley.
## How to Store Pasta Fagioli
Pasta Fagioli should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days.
## Tips to Make Pasta Fagioli
To make your Pasta Fagioli even more flavorful, consider sautéing the vegetables until they are slightly caramelized before adding the other ingredients. For an added layer of flavor, add some crispy pancetta or bacon to the sautéing onions.
## Variation (If Any)
If you need a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free pasta. If you want a vegetarian version of Pasta Fagioli, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
## FAQs
#### 1. Can I freeze Pasta Fagioli?
Yes, you can. Just ensure you let it cool completely before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
#### 2. Is this recipe vegetarian?
The recipe can be transformed into a vegetarian dish by swapping the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
#### 3. Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely, feel free to use any beans you have on hand if you do not have cannellini and kidney beans. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly.