Hearty Pasta Fagioli
This hearty Pasta Fagioli is a delightful staple inspired by The Sopranos Family Cookbook. A true comfort food, it combines creamy beans, tender pasta, and a rich tomato-based broth, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. This rustic Italian soup is not only satisfying but also brings warmth to your table – just like a Sunday dinner in a traditional Italian household. Pronounced 'Pasta Fazool', this dish captures the essence of Italian-American cuisine with its bold flavors and hearty ingredients. Enjoy this delicious soup to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried cannellini beans
1 cup (Soaked overnight; or use 3 cups canned, drained and rinsed)
celery rib
1 (Chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (Lightly crushed)
olive oil
1/4 cup (For sautéing)
fresh tomato
1 cup (Peeled, seeded, and chopped; or use canned peeled tomatoes)
tomato paste
1 teaspoon (Add to sauce)
water
1/2 cup (For adjusting thickness of soup)
crushed red pepper flakes
1 pinch (Adjust to taste)
salt
to taste (For seasoning)
spaghetti
8 ounces (Broken into 1 inch pieces)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and lightly crushed garlic cloves. Sauté until the celery is softened and the garlic is golden brown, then discard the garlic.
2
Stir in the fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt to taste. Let the mixture simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
3
Add your choice of dried cannellini beans (or canned if you're using them) to the saucepan. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, mashing some of the beans with the back of a spoon to create a creamy texture.
4
Introduce the broken spaghetti (or your preferred pasta) to the pot, stirring frequently while cooking until the pasta is al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. If the soup becomes too thick, gradually add a little boiling water to reach your desired consistency.
5
Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve warm, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, grated parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Pasta Fagioli?
Hearty Pasta Fagioli is a rustic Italian soup that combines creamy beans, tender pasta, and a rich tomato-based broth, often referred to as 'Pasta Fazool'.
What inspired this specific Pasta Fagioli recipe?
This recipe is inspired by The Sopranos Family Cookbook, capturing the essence of traditional Italian-American comfort food.
How do you pronounce Pasta Fagioli?
In many Italian-American households, it is traditionally pronounced 'Pasta Fazool'.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can substitute the 1 cup of dried cannellini beans with 3 cups of canned beans that have been drained and rinsed.
How should I prepare dried cannellini beans for this soup?
Dried cannellini beans should be soaked overnight before being used in the recipe.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of spaghetti broken into 1-inch pieces, though you can use your preferred pasta shape.
Why is the garlic discarded after sautéing?
The garlic is lightly crushed and sautéed to infuse the olive oil with flavor, then discarded to keep the broth smooth and avoid biting into large garlic pieces.
How do I make the soup broth creamier?
You can create a creamy texture by mashing some of the beans with the back of a spoon while they simmer in the saucepan.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, if fresh tomatoes aren't available, you can use canned peeled tomatoes.
What is the purpose of adding tomato paste?
Tomato paste is added to the sauce to deepen the flavor and help thicken the broth.
How do I adjust the thickness of the soup?
If the soup becomes too thick because of the pasta, gradually add a little boiling water until you reach your desired consistency.
Is this Pasta Fagioli recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this version is vegetarian as it uses a base of olive oil, vegetables, beans, and pasta without meat products.
How long should the soup sit before serving?
The recipe recommends letting the pot sit for 10 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together.
What garnishes are recommended for this dish?
It is delicious when served with a drizzle of olive oil, grated parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs.
What type of oil should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of olive oil for sautéing and as a finishing drizzle.
Does this recipe have any spice to it?
It includes a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to your personal taste preference.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 garlic cloves, lightly crushed.
How much celery is required?
You will need one celery rib, chopped.
How long does it take to cook the pasta in the soup?
The broken spaghetti should be stirred frequently and cooked until al dente, which takes approximately 8-10 minutes.
Can I use other beans besides cannellini?
While cannellini beans are traditional for their creaminess, you can use other white beans if necessary.
How much tomato is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of fresh tomato that has been peeled, seeded, and chopped.
What is the consistency of this dish?
It is a hearty, thick soup that sits somewhere between a stew and a traditional thin soup.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, but keep in mind that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you may need to add more water when reheating.
Is this a good meal for large gatherings?
Yes, its hearty nature and simple ingredients make it perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
What should the heat setting be for sautéing the vegetables?
The olive oil, celery, and garlic should be heated over medium heat.
How much water is initially added for thickness?
The ingredient list suggests having 1/2 cup of water ready to adjust the thickness of the soup.
Should the tomatoes be simmered?
Yes, the tomato mixture should simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
What does 'al dente' mean for the pasta?
Al dente means the pasta is cooked so as to be still firm when bitten, avoiding a mushy texture in the soup.
Is salt necessary in this recipe?
Salt is used to taste to enhance the natural flavors of the beans and tomatoes.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
While this specific recipe is rustic and bean-focused, some variations include pancetta or prosciutto for extra flavor.