Description
Pasta e fagioli is a traditional Italian soup featuring a hearty combination of cannellini beans, vegetables, pancetta, and ditali rigati pasta, cooked together to create a creamy, comforting dish perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- ½ carrot
- ½ celery stalk
- ½ white onion
Other Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 50 g pancetta, finely chopped
- 700 g cooked cannellini beans
- 600 ml cooking water from the beans
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 200 g ditali rigati pasta (Pastificio Liguori)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the soffritto: Finely chop the carrot, celery stalk, and white onion to create a battuto (a fine herb and vegetable base).
- Sauté the aromatics: In a heavy-bottomed pot over low heat, combine the olive oil and finely chopped pancetta. Add the prepared battuto and gently cook for about five minutes, allowing the flavors to meld without browning.
- Add beans and tomato paste: Pour in the cooked cannellini beans along with their cooking water. Stir in the tablespoon of tomato paste and season with salt to taste.
- Cook the soup base: Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and heated through.
- Cook the pasta: Once boiling, add the ditali rigati pasta and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Finish and serve: When the pasta is al dente, remove the pot from heat. The beans will naturally thicken the soup, creating a creamy texture without the need for cheese. Ladle into bowls and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and freshly ground black pepper before serving.
Notes
- A classic soffritto with carrot, celery, and onion forms the flavor foundation.
- Using cannellini beans and their cooking liquid enriches the soup’s creaminess.
- Tomato paste adds depth, color, and a subtle savory note.
- No cheese is required because the beans naturally thicken the soup.
- Serve with a drizzle of good quality olive oil and freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
