Whatever you call this dish Pasta e Fagioli, Pasta and Beans or even Pasta Fazool it is a Hearty Italian Comfort soup/stew at it’s best. Filled with pasta and beans in a deliciously spiced Tomato broth. Make it thick like a stew or thinner like a soup.
I am updating this recipe from the 6th anniversary of the death of my father-in-law. I still remember long ago days of tying up the vineyard. Just the three of us, the Italian, his father and me. He would tell us stories or more like horror stories of growing up during the war.
His family’s move from Northern Italy to Rome. He was a hard and sometimes hard to get along with man but he was very proud and loved his family dearly. And to be honest we didn’t always see eye to eye, we shared our differences to say the least, but I did respect him and of course thanks to him I married his awesome son. We did have a couple of things in common though. One being spaghetti! It was both our favourite type of pasta.
He preferred his spaghetti with his wife Maria’s homemade ricotta and I like mine with a Simple Tomato Sauce. But this was his absolute no doubt about it favourite dish. He would probably choose a bean dish over a meat dish every single time!
My mother-in-law would sometimes cook her pasta separately then add it to the pot once the beans were cooked, I like to make clean up easier so cooking the dried pasta with the beans is what I do and it works out perfectly.
The soup, once cooled, can be stored in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. The soup can also be frozen, either in a large batch or in individual portions, for up to 3 months. Defrost the soup overnight in the fridge before using and use within 24 hours of defrosting.
What Is Tomato Passata/Puree?
Tomato puree is a liquid, but dense product, it is obtained by removing the pulp from raw or cooked tomatoes. It is sold worldwide and is available in most supermarkets. Of course it can also be produced at home.
How To Soak Dry Beans
In a large bowl add the dried beans, (I used cannellini beans although you could also use another type of white bean), cover the beans well with water. Let them sit for about 8 hours or overnight, then drain and cook until tender, but not mushy.
How to Make Pasta e Fagioli (Pasta and Beans) | Get Cookin’ | Allrecipes.com
FAQ
Can pasta fazool be frozen?
How long is pasta fagioli good for in the fridge?
Can you freeze pasta and bean soup?
Does pasta fagioli go bad?
Can you freeze pasta e fagioli?
Yes. Allow the soup to cool before transferring to freezer-safe ziplock bags or storage containers. Remove as much air as possible. Can be frozen for up to 3-4 months. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop.
How to make pasta e fagioli?
Pasta e Fagioli is most often made with white beans such as cannellini beans or navy beans. It is also best with short pasta like elbow macaroni or ditalini . Slowly cook the onions, carrots, and celery in a little olive oil until starting to soften. Add the minced garlic, fresh herbs, Italian seasoning, and salt.
Can I use canned beans to make pasta e fagioli?
Canned or frozen beans will also work. Although if you really want the best tasting Pasta e Fagioli I recommend using dried beans. If Using canned (drain and rinse) then do not add with the puree and broth, add after the soup has thickened and blend part of the soup if desired, then continue with the recipe.
Can pasta be frozen?
Can be frozen for up to 3-4 months. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop. If you plan to make extra soup or you know that you will have leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately until al dente, adding to each individual soup bowl just before serving.