Pasta e Fagioli (Pasta Fazool)
When the temperature starts dropping, here’s what I need… soup! First, it’s so comforting plus it warms up the soul. Second, most of them are very nutritious and lastly, there are hundreds of varieties from around the world 🌎 to choose from.
Here, at Club Foody, there’s dozens of soups 🥘 that I’ve already posted and they just keep coming. From chilled that are perfect for hot summer days to nice soothing hot ones for the colder months of the year. They can be either an appetizer or a meal on their own.
A few years ago, David and I were on a road trip 🚙. We were hungry and wanted something to eat. We decided to stop at Olive Garden. I’ve never been of fan of this restaurant chain but it was right there on our way. I ordered Pasta e Fagioli also know as Pasta Fazool. It was okay but nothing fantastic.
As you know me after all these years, I love flavorful foods! If it’s blah 🥱, I don’t share it with you. When I come across something that is just okay, like this Pasta e Fagioli (Pasta Fazool), it gives me the challenge to make it taste better.
I start by rendering the bacon BUT as I mention in the video, my first choice is pancetta. Why I didn’t use it then? It’s because we have “savages” living in our area. I’ve never seen grocery store shelves be cleaned out as much as they are here. When you look at people’s shopping cart 🛒, most of them buy in volume. They don’t buy one or two of the same items but 6 or more.
After procrastinating to film this recipe as I couldn’t get any pancetta, I gave up and opted for bacon 🥓 instead. While rendering the fat, if the bacon or pancetta starts sticking at the bottom of the pot, add just a little bit of olive oil… it will help.
Mirepoix is added along with seasoning and chopped garlic 🧄 plus other delicious ingredients. When it’s time to add the pasta, I prefer using ditalini but any other small pasta will do. It can be acini di pepe, stelline or farfalline. Elbow macaroni can also be another option.
Here’s some quick trivia…
Did you know that Pasta e Fagioli was one of Dean Martin’s favorite dishes? He even mentions it in his classic song “That’s Amore”. Another iconic singer 🎤 that enjoyed it as well was Frank Sinatra. Without a doubt, if you’ve never tried it, this pasta & beans (fagioli in Italian is beans) soup has to be on your list…
A nice bowl of Pasta e Fagioli (Pasta Fazool) is exactly what we need when the mercury drops! Nutritious 💚, this easy one-pot dish is loaded with yumminess! I like to serve it with crusty bread and make a meal out of it… it’s so satisfying!
Bon Appétit! 🍽
Here are several more delicious soup recipes for you to enjoy… 😀
– Albóndigas • Mexican Meatball Soup
– Creamy Tomato Basil & Parmesan Soup
– Scallops and Roasted Chestnut Soup
– Cauliflower Cheese Soup
– Lasagna Soup
– Butternut Squash Soup
– Healthy Lentil Soup
– Hot & Sour Soup
– Avgolemono Chicken Soup
and for even more soup and chowder recipes 🥣, click on this link… Recipe Category • Soups & Chowders
Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel 📽 by clicking on this link… Club Foody YouTube
Pasta e Fagioli (Pasta Fazool)
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Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon (substitute 4 oz. pancetta), diced
- 1 tbsp. olive oil, or as needed tips & tricks
- 1 cup yellow onions, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped tips & tricks
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- ground Himalayan pink salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp. Italian seasoning see Recipe
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes, or to taste
- 5 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp. tomato paste tips & tricks
- 1 can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes (substitute crushed tomatoes)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 large bay leaf
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (substitute acini di pepe, stelline or farfalline)
- 1 can (15.5 oz.) pinto beans (substitute cannellini beans, navy beans, or Great Northern beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15.5 oz.) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves (substitute arugula), packed
- 1/2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice tips & tricks
- 2 tbsp. parsley, finely chopped tips & tricks
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Directions
- In a Dutch oven, add bacon and turn the heat to medium; cook for 5 minutes or until brown and crispy. If it sticks, add a little bit of olive oil.
- Add mirepoix (onion, celery, carrots) and season lightly with salt & pepper; cook 6 minutes.
- Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes and garlic; sauté for 30 seconds. Coat ingredients with tomato paste.
- Add diced tomatoes, broth and bay leaf. Bring to a boil and reduce to medium before adding pasta. Simmer for 8 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in beans and spinach; add lemon juice. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in parsley. Serve in warm bowl and garnish with cheese.
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