AN INCREDIBLY EASY / DELICIOUS ONE PAN DINNER (BETTER THAN AT OLIVE GARDEN!)

AN INCREDIBLY EASY / DELICIOUS ONE PAN DINNER (BETTER THAN AT OLIVE GARDEN!) is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by SAM THE COOKING GUY on YouTube.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 31 min | Total: 46 min

Cost: $5.85 total, $1.46 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 oz Pancetta (diced; Italian non‑smoked bacon)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for sautéing)
  • 1 cup Onion (diced)
  • 1 cup Carrot (diced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 0.25 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for mild heat)
  • 1.5 cup Chicken Stock (low‑sodium preferred)
  • 15 oz Canned Diced Tomatoes (undrained)
  • 1 cup Ditalini Pasta (or small elbow macaroni)
  • 15 oz Cannellini Beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
  • 0.5 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)

Instructions

  1. Prep the vegetables

    Dice the onion and carrot into 1/4‑inch pieces, mince the garlic, and chop the parsley.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Render the pancetta

    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook, stirring, until the fat has rendered and the pieces are lightly crisp, about 3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium heat

  3. Sauté aromatics

    Add the diced onion and carrot to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, about 4 minutes.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: medium heat

  4. Add garlic

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium heat

  5. Season with pepper flakes

    Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and stir briefly.

    Time: PT0M

  6. Add liquids and bring to boil

    Pour in the chicken stock and the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice). Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: high heat

  7. Add pasta

    Stir in the ditalini pasta, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium heat

  8. Simmer pasta

    Let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the pasta is al dente.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: low simmer

  9. Finish with beans and herbs

    Add the drained cannellini beans, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir and let heat through for 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: low heat

  10. Serve

    Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle each serving with grated Parmesan, and enjoy immediately.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: low heat

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
15g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
12g
Fiber
8g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains pork, Contains wheat

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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AN INCREDIBLY EASY / DELICIOUS ONE PAN DINNER (BETTER THAN AT OLIVE GARDEN!)

Recipe by SAM THE COOKING GUY

A quick, cheap, and comforting one‑pot Italian pasta soup made with pancetta, vegetables, beans, and tiny pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for winter evenings.

EasyItalianServes 4

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

Source Video
9m
Prep
27m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
46m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.85
Total cost
$1.46
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Render the pancetta fully to develop flavor.
  • Simmer the pasta until al dente without overcooking.
  • Add beans at the end to keep them from falling apart.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil and boiling liquid with care to avoid burns.
  • Use oven mitts when moving the pot off the stove.

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 classic peasant dish from central Italy that stretches humble ingredients into a hearty soup. It reflects the Italian tradition of using pantry staples—pasta, beans, and seasonal vegetables—to feed families during lean times.

cultural
Q

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

A

In Rome and Lazio, the soup often includes small ditalini pasta and pancetta, while in the south, larger pasta shapes and a tomato‑rich broth are common. Some northern versions add rosemary or use broth made from leftover meat bones.

cultural
Q

How is Pasta e Fagioli traditionally served in Italy?

A

It is typically ladled into shallow bowls, topped with a generous shaving of Pecorino or Parmesan, and enjoyed with crusty country bread. A drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil is sometimes added just before serving.

cultural
Q

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

A

Pasta e Fagioli is a comfort food served year‑round, especially on cold winter evenings and during family gatherings. It is also a popular dish for casual weekday meals because it can be made quickly in one pot.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Pasta e Fagioli versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include pancetta or guanciale, cannellini beans, ditalini pasta, and a tomato‑based broth. Substitutes can be regular bacon for pancetta, great northern beans for cannellini, or any small pasta shape if ditalini is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with Pasta e Fagioli?

A

Serve it alongside a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette, a plate of grilled bruschetta, or a side of roasted vegetables. A glass of Chianti or a light red wine complements the smoky pancetta flavor.

cultural
Q

What makes Pasta e Fagioli special in Italian cuisine?

A

Its simplicity, nutritional balance of protein, carbs, and fiber, and the way it transforms pantry staples into a comforting, soup‑like stew make it a beloved staple across Italian households.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Pasta e Fagioli at home?

A

Common errors include overcooking the pasta, which turns mushy, and adding the beans too early, causing them to fall apart. Also, neglecting to season with salt and pepper until the end can leave the soup bland.

technical
Q

Why does this Pasta e Fagioli recipe use pancetta instead of smoked bacon?

A

Pancetta provides a subtle, unsmoked pork flavor that blends smoothly with the broth, while smoked bacon can dominate the dish with a strong smoky note. The recipe aims for a balanced, authentic Italian profile.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel SAM THE COOKING GUY specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel SAM THE COOKING GUY focuses on quick, budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials, often featuring one‑pot meals, comfort food classics, and practical kitchen hacks for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel SAM THE COOKING GUY's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

SAM THE COOKING GUY emphasizes speed, affordability, and minimal cleanup, presenting traditional Italian flavors in streamlined, single‑pot formats, whereas many other Italian channels may focus on elaborate techniques and multiple‑step preparations.

channel

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