Pasta e Fagioli

Pasta e Fagioli is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 340 calories per serving. Recipe by The Vegan Test Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 33 min | Total: 1 hr 3 min

Cost: $28.94 total, $7.24 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Plum Tomatoes (Rinse and medium dice)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (Mince finely)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Extra‑virgin recommended)
  • 1 cup Dry White Wine or Vegetable Broth (Wine adds depth; broth works for non‑alcoholic version)
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme (Crushed between fingers before adding)
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (Crushed before adding)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground if possible)
  • 8 ounces Ditalini Pasta (small tube) (Cook al dente; do not rinse after draining)
  • 15 ounces Cannellini Beans (Drain and rinse)

Instructions

  1. Dice tomatoes and mince garlic

    Rinse the plum tomatoes, remove any stems, and dice them into medium pieces. Peel and mince the garlic cloves.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sauté garlic

    Place the medium saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil, and once shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Build the sauce

    Add the diced tomatoes, wine or vegetable broth, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens, about 20 minutes.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  4. Cook the pasta

    While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ditalini pasta and cook according to package directions (8‑10 minutes) until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain in a colander without rinsing.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Boiling

  5. Prepare the beans

    Open the canned cannellini beans, drain, and rinse under cold water. Set aside.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Combine pasta, beans, and sauce

    Add the drained pasta and rinsed beans to the simmering tomato sauce. Reduce heat to low and stir gently, allowing everything to heat through for about 3 minutes. If the mixture seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Low heat

  7. Final seasoning and serve

    Taste the dish and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and serve hot, optionally with a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil or fresh herbs.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
340
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
55g
Fat
8g
Fiber
10g

Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten (contains wheat), Dairy-Free

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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Pasta e Fagioli

Recipe by The Vegan Test Kitchen

A hearty, vegan Italian classic featuring plum tomatoes, cannellini beans, and small tube pasta simmered in a fragrant herb‑infused sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner with a glass of wine.

EasyItalianServes 4

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

Source Video
9m
Prep
35m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
54m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$28.94
Total cost
$7.24
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sauté garlic until fragrant but not browned
  • Simmer tomatoes until sauce thickens (about 20 minutes)
  • Do not rinse cooked pasta so it stays starchy
  • Heat pasta and beans through just 3 minutes to avoid mushiness

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – keep face away while sautéing garlic
  • Boiling water and hot sauce can cause burns – use oven mitts when handling pots

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Pasta Fazool, literally “pasta and beans,” traces its roots to ancient Roman meals that paired simple legumes like black‑eyed peas with pasta, providing a nourishing, inexpensive staple for laborers and soldiers. Over centuries it evolved into regional comfort dishes, especially in Southern Italy, where cannellini or other white beans are common.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Pasta Fazool in Italy?

A

In the south, especially Campania and Sicily, the dish often uses small shells (cavatelli) and adds ricotta or pecorino. In the north, you’ll find versions with ditalini or tubetti and sometimes a splash of white wine, as demonstrated by The Vegan Test Kitchen’s vegan adaptation.

cultural
Q

How is Pasta Fazool traditionally served in Italian households?

A

Traditionally it is served hot in a shallow bowl, often topped with a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil. It can be accompanied by crusty bread and a glass of red or white wine.

cultural
Q

During what occasions is Pasta Fazool commonly enjoyed in Italian culture?

A

Pasta Fazool is a humble everyday meal but also appears at family gatherings, especially during the colder months, because its warm, protein‑rich broth is comforting and budget‑friendly.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with Vegan Pasta Fazool?

A

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant, and a side of garlic‑infused focaccia make excellent companions to the hearty vegan pasta fazool.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Pasta Fazool versus acceptable vegan substitutes?

A

Traditional recipes use dried pasta, white beans (often cannellini), tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and sometimes pork‑based broth. The Vegan Test Kitchen replaces meat broth with white wine or vegetable broth, keeping the dish fully plant‑based while preserving flavor.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the pasta (it should stay al dente), rinsing the pasta after draining (you lose the starch that helps bind the sauce), and letting the garlic burn, which adds bitterness. Also, don’t let the sauce reduce too far; keep a splash of broth handy.

technical
Q

Why does this Vegan Pasta Fazool recipe use a splash of white wine instead of more vegetable broth?

A

The wine adds acidity and depth that mimics the savory richness of traditional meat‑based broths, while still keeping the dish vegan. If you prefer no alcohol, simply substitute an equal amount of extra vegetable broth.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes – the tomato‑bean sauce can be prepared up to two days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. Reheat gently, then cook fresh pasta and combine just before serving to maintain texture.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the sauce is done?

A

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, with the tomatoes broken down into a rich, ruby‑red consistency. It should still have a slight sheen from the olive oil and a fragrant herb aroma.

technical
Q

How do I know when the Vegan Pasta Fazool is done cooking?

A

The sauce will have reduced and thickened after about 20 minutes of simmering, the pasta will be al dente (firm to the bite), and the beans will be heated through. A quick taste for seasoning confirms it’s ready.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel The Vegan Test Kitchen specialize in?

A

The Vegan Test Kitchen focuses on creating flavorful, plant‑based versions of classic international dishes, offering detailed step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize technique, ingredient swaps, and accessible home cooking.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel The Vegan Test Kitchen's approach to Italian cooking differ from other vegan channels?

A

The Vegan Test Kitchen stays true to traditional Italian flavor profiles—using authentic herbs, quality olive oil, and occasional wine—while ensuring every component is fully vegan, rather than creating entirely new dishes or heavily altering the cuisine’s core ingredients.

channel

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