Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Pasta Fagioli, or “pasta and beans,” is a comforting Italian soup that can easily be made vegetarian. Below is a simple recipe that highlights the flavors of vegetables, beans, and pasta.
Ingredients
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Carrots: 2 medium, diced
- Celery: 1 rib, diced
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: 1 (28-ounce) can
- Cannellini Beans: 2 (15-ounce) cans, rinsed and drained
- Vegetable Broth: 4 cups (low sodium)
- Fresh Oregano: 1 tablespoon, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Fresh Basil: ¼ cup, chopped
- Thyme Sprigs: 2 (optional)
- Ditalini Pasta: 1 cup (or small pasta of choice)
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomato Products:
- Push the vegetables to one side of the pot and add the tomato paste to the other side. Sauté for about a minute to enhance its flavor.
- Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with juices), cannellini beans, vegetable broth, oregano, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Pasta:
- While the soup simmers, cook the ditalini pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine and Serve:
- Once the soup has simmered and vegetables are tender, stir in the cooked pasta and fresh basil.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra basil or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free pasta.
- To enhance flavor, consider adding a Parmesan cheese rind during cooking; remove before serving.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or increase the pasta.
This vegetarian Pasta Fagioli is not only hearty but also packed with nutrients from beans and vegetables, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week!