This White Pasta e Fagioli is a cozy dish packed with tender pasta and creamy white beans in a tasty broth. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
I love how quick and easy it is to whip up! Perfect for those busy nights when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss. Just simmer, serve, and enjoy! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the dish. If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use avocado oil or butter for a different flavor.
Onion: A small onion is perfect for this recipe. You can swap it with shallots or even green onions if needed. Just adjust the amount to match your taste!
Cannellini Beans: These white beans give the dish its creamy texture. Pinto or navy beans can work as a substitute in a pinch.
Ditalini Pasta: This small pasta is traditional, but if you don’t have it, you can use any small pasta like elbow macaroni or even orzo!
Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds a nice flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a similar taste, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking pasta just right is key for this dish! Here’s how to avoid overcooked pasta:
- Cook the pasta in a separate pot according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally.
- When it’s about 1-2 minutes from being done, it should be “al dente”, meaning it’s still firm to the bite.
- Drain it and add it to the soup, allowing it to absorb some of the broth flavors. This helps keep it from getting mushy.
Enjoy your Pasta e Fagioli without any pasta problems!
White Pasta e Fagioli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup ditalini pasta or small tubular pasta
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Optional: cooked Italian sausage, crumbled, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 30 minutes of cooking time, so you can enjoy a delicious comforting meal in around 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced celery, and diced carrots. Sauté these together for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This is where the flavors start to come together!
2. Adding Herbs:
Stir in the dried oregano and basil, and cook for another minute. This will help release the wonderful aromas of the herbs into the mix. Your kitchen should smell amazing by now!
3. Making the Broth:
Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the pot and bring everything to a boil. This is the base of your delicious soup!
4. Incorporating the Beans:
Add the drained cannellini beans to the broth, then reduce the heat to let it simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
5. Cooking the Pasta:
Now, add the ditalini pasta to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente (firm but not hard). Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook!
6. Seasoning:
Taste your soup and season it with salt and black pepper to your liking. Don’t be shy to adjust based on your preferences!
7. Final Touch:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts beautifully into the soup. This adds a lovely creaminess to your dish!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your White Pasta e Fagioli hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and crumbled cooked Italian sausage if you like. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Bon appétit! 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Beans in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While cannellini beans are traditional, feel free to substitute with pinto beans, navy beans, or even chickpeas for a different texture and flavor!
What If I Have Leftover Pasta?
If you have leftover pasta, it’s best to store the soup and pasta separately to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy. Store leftover soup in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat it gently before adding freshly cooked pasta for the best results!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It will still be delicious and hearty without any meat!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
