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Authentic Pasta e Fagioli Recipe in a rustic bowl with rosemary garnish.

Authentic Pasta e Fagioli

An authentic, one-pot Italian "pasta and beans" soup. This hearty Mediterranean classic combines creamy cannellini beans, savory pancetta, and ditalini pasta in a rich tomato-herb broth. It’s a fiber-packed, budget-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Soup
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 oz pancetta diced
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cans 15 oz cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup ditalini pasta or other small shape
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan and fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Brown the Meat: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium. Add pancetta and cook until crispy.
  2. Sauté Veggies: Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 7 minutes until soft.
  3. Aromatics: Add garlic, rosemary, Italian seasoning, and pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
  4. Simmer: Stir in tomatoes and broth. Add the beans. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Thicken (Optional): Mash 1/2 cup of beans and stir back into the soup.
  6. Pasta: Add pasta to the pot. Cook until al dente (approx. 8–10 mins).
  7. Serve: Remove rosemary. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with Parmesan and parsley.

Notes

  • The Pasta Tip: If you expect to have leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl when serving. This prevents the pasta from absorbing all the broth and becoming mushy in the fridge.
  • Creamy Texture: For a thicker consistency, mash ½ cup of the beans before adding them to the pot. This creates a velvety base without any added cream or dairy.
  • Pancetta Substitute: If you can't find pancetta, bacon is a great substitute. For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for an extra tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of smoked paprika.