Pasta e Fagioli - Best recipe for Pasta Fagioli- Cook in less than 45 minutes.

Pasta e Fagioli - Best recipe for Pasta Fagioli- Cook in less than 45 minutes. is a medium Italian recipe that serves 5. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Alessandras Food is Love on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 45 min

Cost: $20.13 total, $4.03 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for sautéing vegetables)
  • 1 small Onion (peeled and finely diced)
  • 2 stalks Celery Stalks (small, diced)
  • 1 large Carrot (peeled and diced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 whole Red Chili Pepper (seeded and finely chopped for heat)
  • 2 cans Organic Pinto Beans (15‑oz each, drained and rinsed)
  • 6 tablespoons Diced Tomatoes (preferably high‑quality, no added salt)
  • 3 cups Water (use only as needed; keep extra warm)
  • 1.5 cups Dry Italini Pasta (about 8 oz, broken into small pieces if desired)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped, added at the end)
  • to taste Salt (preferably kosher or sea salt)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Santo (Spicy Olive Oil) (optional garnish for extra heat)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Vegetables

    Dice the onion, celery, carrot, and mince the garlic. Seed and finely chop the red chili pepper. Roughly chop the parsley.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sauté Aromatics

    Heat the large pot over medium heat and add 3 Tbsp extra‑virgin olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  3. Add Remaining Veggies

    Stir in the garlic, celery, carrot, and chopped chili pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  4. Introduce Tomatoes and Beans

    Add the drained pinto beans, 6 Tbsp diced tomatoes, and stir to combine.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Add Liquid and Simmer

    Pour in about 3 cups of water (or low‑sodium vegetable broth) until the liquid sits roughly an inch above the beans. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: medium

  6. Season and Cream the Beans

    Season with salt to taste. While stirring, press the beans against the side of the pot to break some of them, creating a creamy texture.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Cook the Pasta In‑Soup

    Add the dry italini pasta (about 1.5 cups for 5 servings). Stir, then add just enough of the remaining hot liquid so the pasta is just covered. Replace the lid and cook on a gentle boil for 8‑10 minutes, stirring every few minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium

  8. Finish and Rest

    When the pasta is al dente and the broth is thick and creamy, turn off the heat, keep the lid on, and let the soup rest for 2‑3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

  9. Plate and Garnish

    Ladle the pasta fagioli into bowls, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and drizzle with a tablespoon of olive santo (optional) for extra heat.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fat
8 g
Fiber
10 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten

Allergens: Wheat, Legumes

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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Pasta e Fagioli - Best recipe for Pasta Fagioli- Cook in less than 45 minutes.

Recipe by Alessandras Food is Love

A quick, comforting Italian‑style bean and pasta soup that comes together in under 35 minutes. Made with pinto beans, diced tomatoes, vegetables, and al dente pasta, this dish is perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.

MediumItalianServes 5

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

Source Video
13m
Prep
32m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
55m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$20.13
Total cost
$4.03
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Maintain the correct liquid‑to‑pasta ratio; too much water makes the soup soupy, too little prevents the pasta from cooking properly.
  • Break some of the beans against the pot side to create a naturally creamy texture without dairy.
  • Cook the pasta directly in the broth with the lid on to infuse flavor and achieve the desired thickness.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter; keep face away while sautéing.
  • Boiling liquid can cause burns – handle the pot with oven mitts.
  • Use a sturdy pot lid to avoid steam burns when removing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Pasta fagioli, meaning "pasta and beans," is a classic comfort dish from central Italy, traditionally made by peasant families using pantry staples like beans, dried pasta, and whatever vegetables were on hand. It embodies the Italian philosophy of turning simple, inexpensive ingredients into a nourishing, flavorful meal.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Pasta Fagioli in Italian cooking?

A

In Rome and Lazio, the soup often features small ditalini pasta and cannellini beans, while in the south, larger pasta shapes and chickpeas are common. Some regions add pancetta or pork rind for extra richness, but the vegetarian version shown by Alessandra’s Food is Love reflects the plain, vegetable‑focused style of central Italy.

cultural
Q

How is Pasta Fagioli traditionally served in Italy?

A

It is usually served hot in shallow bowls, topped with a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Pecorino Romano. A crusty piece of bread on the side is typical for soaking up the broth.

cultural
Q

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

A

Pasta fagioli is a staple for everyday family meals, but it also appears at informal gatherings, after‑work dinners, and during the colder months as a warming comfort food. It’s especially popular on Sundays when families have a little extra time to let the soup simmer.

cultural
Q

What makes Pasta Fagioli special or unique in Italian cuisine?

A

Its uniqueness lies in the creamy texture achieved by breaking some of the beans against the pot, eliminating the need for dairy. The dish balances protein, carbs, and vegetables in a single bowl, showcasing the Italian principle of simplicity and balance.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include adding too much liquid, which results in a soupy consistency, and overcooking the pasta, which makes it mushy. Also, neglecting to break some beans reduces the desired creaminess, and forgetting to season gradually can leave the soup bland.

technical
Q

Why does this Pasta Fagioli recipe use water instead of broth for the cooking liquid?

A

Alessandra prefers water to let the natural flavor of the pinto beans and tomatoes shine without the added sodium of store‑bought broth. The beans themselves are flavorful enough, and you can always finish with a splash of vegetable broth if you want extra depth.

technical
Q

Can I make Pasta Fagioli ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the soup up to the point of adding pasta, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, add the pasta and a little extra hot water, and cook until al dente. The dish holds up well because the beans keep the broth thick.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Pasta Fagioli?

A

The broth should be thick and slightly creamy, with the beans partially broken down. The pasta should be al dente, and the vegetables should remain tender but not mushy. A glossy surface from the olive oil and a sprinkle of bright green parsley indicate it’s ready.

technical
Q

How do I know when Pasta Fagioli is done cooking?

A

When the pasta is al dente (a bite‑through firmness) and the broth has reduced to a creamy consistency that coats the spoon, the dish is finished. Taste for seasoning and adjust salt if needed before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Alessandra’s Food is Love specialize in?

A

Alessandra’s Food is Love focuses on quick, family‑friendly Italian‑inspired meals that emphasize fresh ingredients, simple techniques, and heartfelt storytelling. The channel often shares comfort‑food recipes that can be prepared in 30‑45 minutes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Alessandra’s Food is Love’s approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

Alessandra blends traditional Italian flavors with a modern, time‑saving mindset, often cooking everything in one pot and encouraging improvisation with pantry staples. Unlike some channels that prioritize elaborate plating, she emphasizes homey, rustic dishes that feel like a family dinner.

channel

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