Pasta e Fagioli

Pasta e Fagioli is a medium Italian recipe that serves 4. 680 calories per serving. Recipe by COOKING WITH SHEREEN on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min

Cost: $10.15 total, $2.54 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 oz Pancetta (diced)
  • 3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (divided, for sauté and finishing)
  • 1 medium Onion (diced)
  • 3 medium Carrots (sliced)
  • 2 tsp Fresh Rosemary (minced)
  • 4 cups Chicken Stock (homemade or store‑bought)
  • 2 oz Parmigiano Reggiano (wedge for rind, plus extra grated for garnish)
  • 3.5 cups Cannellini Beans (2.5 cups whole, 1 cup mashed)
  • 2.5 cups Ditalini Pasta (dry)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Dice the pancetta, dice the onion, slice the carrots, and mince the rosemary. Measure out the stock, beans, pasta, and cheese.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Brown Pancetta

    Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large soup pot over medium‑low heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper‑towel‑lined plate and keep warm.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: medium‑low

  3. Sauté Vegetables

    In the same pot, add the diced onion and sliced carrots. Sauté, stirring, until the vegetables are tender‑crisp, about 4 minutes. Add the minced rosemary and sauté for another minute.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  4. Add Stock and Beans

    Pour in the chicken stock, add the Parmigiano Reggiano rind, 2.5 cups whole cannellini beans, and 1 cup mashed beans. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: simmer

  5. Cook Pasta

    Add the dry ditalini pasta to the simmering soup. Cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for 15 minutes or until al dente. The soup will thicken as the pasta releases starch.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: simmer

  6. Finish and Serve

    Remove the Parmigiano rind. Stir in the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, grated Parmigiano Reggiano, and the crispy pancetta. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and enjoy hot.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
680
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
70g
Fat
25g
Fiber
12g

Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, Can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free pasta, Can be made dairy‑free using nutritional yeast instead of cheese

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Pasta e Fagioli

Recipe by COOKING WITH SHEREEN

A hearty Italian bean and pasta soup enriched with homemade chicken stock, Parmigiano Reggiano rind, and crispy pancetta. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

MediumItalianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
12m
Prep
41m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 3m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.15
Total cost
$2.54
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Browning the pancetta until crispy is essential for flavor and texture
  • Mashing a portion of the cannellini beans creates a creamy base without cream
  • Removing the Parmigiano rind before serving prevents a hard bite
  • Stirring the pasta frequently prevents it from sticking as the soup thickens

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter when browning pancetta – use a splatter guard
  • The soup will be bubbling; handle the pot with oven mitts to avoid burns

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Pasta e Fagioli in Italian cuisine?

A

Pasta e Fagioli, meaning “pasta and beans,” is a traditional peasant dish from central Italy that showcases the country’s love for simple, hearty, and nutritious meals using pantry staples like beans, pasta, and cured pork.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Pasta e Fagioli in Italy?

A

In Rome the soup often uses small pasta like ditalini and adds pancetta; in Naples it may include tomato and mozzarella; in the north, butter and sage replace olive oil, and sometimes different beans such as borlotti are used.

cultural
Q

How is Pasta e Fagioli authentically served in Italy?

A

It is traditionally ladled into shallow bowls, topped with a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of grated Parmigiano Reggiano, and a few pieces of crisp pancetta or guanciale. It is enjoyed with crusty bread on the side.

cultural
Q

During which occasions is Pasta e Fagioli traditionally enjoyed in Italian culture?

A

Pasta e Fagioli is a comfort food served year‑round, especially during colder months, family gatherings, and as a first‑course (primo) at festive meals and Sunday family lunches.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with Pasta e Fagioli?

A

A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette, bruschetta, or a side of roasted vegetables complement the soup, while a crisp white wine such as Verdicchio balances the richness of the pancetta and cheese.

cultural
Q

What makes Pasta e Fagioli special in Italian cuisine?

A

Its combination of protein‑rich beans, comforting pasta, and savory cured pork creates a balanced, filling dish that reflects Italy’s resourceful use of humble ingredients to produce deep flavor.

cultural
Q

How has Pasta e Fagioli evolved over time in Italy?

A

Originally a rustic, meat‑less soup, the dish evolved to include pancetta or guanciale for added richness, and modern versions may use homemade stock, fresh herbs, and premium Parmigiano for depth of flavor.

cultural
Q

What are common mistakes to avoid when making Pasta e Fagioli?

A

Overcooking the pasta so it becomes mushy, not mashing enough beans for a creamy texture, and forgetting to remove the Parmigiano rind before serving are frequent pitfalls.

technical
Q

Why does this Pasta e Fagioli recipe use mashed cannellini beans instead of cream?

A

Mashing beans thickens the soup naturally, keeping the dish dairy‑free and preserving the authentic Italian technique of using beans for body rather than adding cream.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cooking with Shereen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cooking with Shereen focuses on approachable home‑cooked meals, especially Mediterranean and Italian comfort dishes, with clear step‑by‑step tutorials and tips for busy home cooks.

channel

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