Italian Pasta Fazool Recipe

Introduction

Pasta fazool, also known as pasta e fagioli, is a traditional Italian dish renowned for its comforting and hearty flavors. This popular pasta and bean soup is perfect for cold winter nights or anytime you’re craving a warm, satisfying meal. Made with simple ingredients and bursting with flavors, pasta fazool is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. In this blog post, we’ll share a delicious recipe for pasta fazool that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

To make pasta fazool, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups ditalini pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Follow these steps to prepare a delicious pasta fazool:

1. Cook the ditalini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-6 minutes.

3. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable or chicken broth. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and dried thyme. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. Add the cannellini beans to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes until they are heated through.

7. Stir in the cooked ditalini pasta and cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine all the flavors.

8. Serve the pasta fazool piping hot, garnished with some fresh parsley for added freshness and color.

Enjoy your homemade pasta fazool with some crusty bread and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an authentic Italian dining experience.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for pasta fazool?
A: Absolutely! While traditionally ditalini pasta is used, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like macaroni or small shells.

Q: Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
A: Yes, you can use canned beans if you don’t have dried beans on hand. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the soup.

Q: Can I freeze pasta fazool?
A: Yes, you can freeze pasta fazool. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stove when ready to enjoy.

Q: Is pasta fazool vegetarian-friendly?
A: Yes, pasta fazool can easily be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It’s a delicious and filling option for vegetarians and vegans.

Q: Can I add meat to my pasta fazool?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer a meatier version, you can add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or pancetta to the soup for extra flavor.

Pasta fazool is a classic Italian dish that will warm your heart and soul. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, it’s a recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. So, gather the ingredients, follow our easy step-by-step instructions, and get ready to savor a bowl of delicious pasta fazool. Buon appetito!