Go Back
A steaming bowl of hearty Pasta e Fagioli soup with pasta and beans.

Best way to grow a perfect Pasta e Fagioli dish

This recipe focuses on cultivating the ideal combination of fresh ingredients and traditional techniques to create a truly perfect Pasta e Fagioli dish, emphasizing flavor development and textural balance.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 4 oz Pancetta diced
  • 1 Yellow Onion chopped
  • 2 Carrots chopped
  • 2 Celery Stalks chopped
  • 3 Garlic Cloves minced
  • 1 28-oz can Crushed Tomatoes
  • 2 15-oz cans Cannellini Beans rinsed and drained
  • 6 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth
  • 1 cup Ditalini Pasta
  • 1 sprig Fresh Rosemary chopped
  • 1 tsp Fresh Thyme chopped
  • 1 Parmesan Rind optional
  • Salt to taste
  • Black Pepper to taste
  • Fresh Parsley chopped, for garnish
  • Parmesan Cheese grated, for serving

Equipment

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, then add diced pancetta and cook until crispy.
Sauté Vegetables
  1. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Stir in minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme, sautéing for another minute until fragrant.
Simmer
  1. Pour in crushed tomatoes, rinsed cannellini beans, chicken or vegetable broth, and the Parmesan rind, if using.
  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cook Pasta
  1. Remove the Parmesan rind, then add ditalini pasta to the pot and cook according to package directions, usually 7-10 minutes, or until al dente.
Finish and Serve
  1. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For extra creaminess, blend a portion of the soup before adding the pasta. Adjust the amount of broth for your desired consistency. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrients.