Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Hearty Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe

Hearty Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 22 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (354 mL/12 fl oz) ditalini pasta
  • 2432 oz (680907 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

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