Rustic Italian Magic: Barefoot Contessa’s Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Warm, hearty bowls of pasta fagioli have long been a comforting staple in Italian kitchens, and the Barefoot Contessa pasta fagioli recipe brings this classic dish to life with remarkable simplicity.

Ina Garten’s approach turns humble ingredients into a spectacular meal that sings with rich, deep flavors.

Each spoonful promises a delightful blend of tender pasta, creamy beans, and aromatic herbs that dance on your palate.

The recipe captures the essence of rustic Italian cooking with its straightforward technique and robust ingredients.

Fresh herbs and quality stock elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary, making it a perfect dinner solution for cool evenings.

You’ll love how quickly this one-pot wonder comes together, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Grab your favorite large pot and get ready to savor a truly authentic Italian comfort food experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients in Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe

• Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation that builds depth of flavor for the soup.
• Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color, enhancing the overall nutritional profile.
• Celery: Contributes a subtle, fresh taste and crisp texture to the soup base.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent flavor that elevates the entire dish's taste complexity.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a rich, savory liquid base that infuses the soup with hearty warmth.
• Tomato Sauce: Offers a smooth, tangy undertone that adds complexity and depth to the soup.
• Parsley: Brings a bright, fresh herbal note that lightens the overall flavor profile.
• Basil: Introduces a sweet, peppery herb essence that complements the tomato base.
• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle heat and aromatic sharpness to balance the soup's flavors.

• Ditalini Pasta: Delivers a classic, bite-sized shape that perfectly captures the soup's texture.
• Cannellini Beans: Introduces creamy, protein-rich substance that makes the soup more substantial.
• Olive Oil: Serves as a smooth, fruity cooking medium that enhances overall flavor development.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish that adds a salty, nutty finish to the completed dish.

Tools You’ll Use for Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli

• Large Saucepan: Essential for cooking soup base and simmering all ingredients, with medium heat capability.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring vegetables and mixing soup ingredients without scratching pan surface.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, carrots, and celery before cooking.
• Sharp Knife: Critical for precise vegetable preparation and ingredient cutting.
• Colander: Used for draining cooked pasta efficiently.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurate broth and ingredient measurements.
• Separate Pasta Pot: Required for cooking ditalini pasta separately from soup base.
• Ladle: Useful for serving hot soup into bowls.

How to Cook Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli

• Kitchen Prep

Grab a large soup pot and warm up some olive oil. Chop onions, carrots, and celery into tiny pieces. Sauté these veggies until they start looking soft and releasing their sweet aromas.

• Flavor Foundation

Pour in rich chicken broth and sprinkle in fresh herbs. Let everything bubble gently, creating a delicious base that tells a story of comfort and warmth. The kitchen will start smelling incredible.

• Pasta Magic

Boil water in a separate pot and cook tiny pasta shapes until they’re perfectly tender. These little tubes will soak up all the incredible soup flavors like tiny sponges.

• Final Touch

Fold the cooked pasta and creamy white beans into the soup. Let everything mingle and get to know each other for a couple minutes. Taste and add a pinch of salt or pepper if needed.

• Serving Moment

Ladle the steaming soup into wide bowls. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top and serve alongside a crusty slice of bread. Winter comfort is officially served.

Optional Additions for Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli

• Replace ditalini with other small pasta shapes like orzo, small shells, or stelline for a fun texture twist without changing the soup's soul.
• Stir in cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or diced pancetta during the vegetable sautéing stage to transform this into a heartier meal that satisfies bigger appetites.
• Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip meat additions to create a delicious plant-based version that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne for those who love a subtle heat kick that warms you from the inside out.
• Store leftover soup separately from pasta to prevent noodles from becoming mushy. Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently when ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Bowl

• Pair with Warm Bread: Slice a rustic Italian loaf and lightly toast it, creating the perfect companion to scoop up every delicious spoonful of pasta fagioli.
• Enhance with Cheese Topping: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino romano over the soup, adding a rich, salty layer that melts beautifully into the warm broth.
• Create a Hearty Meal: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's robust flavors and provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty dish.
• Customize with Herbs: Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley just before serving to brighten the soup and add a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor.

Storage Tips for Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Leftovers

• Refrigerate with Care: Store leftover pasta fagioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Separate the pasta from the soup base to prevent soggy noodles and maintain optimal texture.
• Reheat Gently: Warm the soup slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving to keep the pasta's integrity.
• Freeze for Later: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop vegetables and measure ingredients in advance to streamline cooking. Cook pasta separately and add just before serving to keep the soup fresh and prevent overcooking.

Hearty Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s pasta fagioli recipe blends rustic Italian comfort with fresh ingredients. Hearty beans, pancetta, and aromatic herbs create a satisfying meal you can savor with crusty bread and warm companionship.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups (354 mL/12 fl oz) ditalini pasta
• 24–32 oz (680–907 g) tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14 oz / 397 g) can low sodium chicken broth
• ¼ cup diced onion
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1 tbsp dried parsley
• ½ tbsp dried basil leaves
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp chopped garlic
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Aromatics Preparation: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a medium saucepan over moderate heat. Sauté finely chopped onion, diced carrot, and sliced celery until tender and translucent, creating a robust flavor foundation.
2. Garlic Infusion: Add minced garlic to the vegetable mixture, stirring quickly to release its aromatic essence without scorching, ensuring a delicate flavor base.
3. Liquid and Seasoning Incorporation: Pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, blending in chopped parsley, dried basil, ground black pepper, and tomato sauce. Whisk thoroughly to create a harmonious liquid base.
4. Flavor Development: Simmer the soup uncovered for 18-22 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and develop a complex, rich taste profile that deepens the overall character of the dish.
5. Pasta Preparation: Simultaneously cook ditalini pasta in a separate pot of boiling, salted water until al dente, maintaining a slight firmness. Drain completely using a colander.
6. Final Assembly: Fold cooked ditalini and drained cannellini beans into the simmering soup. Heat gently for 1-2 minutes, ensuring complete integration of ingredients and temperature consistency.
7. Finishing Touches: Adjust seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the flavor profile. Serve piping hot in warmed bowls, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and accompanied by crusty artisan bread for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Sauté Strategically: Gently cook vegetables until soft and translucent to build a deep, rich flavor foundation without browning.
• Garlic Timing Matters: Add minced garlic briefly to prevent burning and avoid introducing bitter notes that can ruin the soup’s delicate taste.
• Pasta Perfection: Cook ditalini precisely to al dente (7-9 minutes) to maintain ideal texture and prevent mushiness when added to the soup.
• Cheese Enhancement: Top with freshly grated Parmesan to elevate the dish’s flavor complexity and add a luxurious creamy finish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg