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Barefoot Contessa's Comforting Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

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Pasta e fagioli, or pasta and beans, is the ultimate Italian comfort food. This version from Ina Garten's Barefoot Contessa cookbooks features a hearty tomato broth with cannellini beans and ditalini pasta. Customize it to your taste with extra veggies, herbs, and Parmesan cheese for a satisfying dish.

Overview of Ina Garten's Barefoot Contessa

Ina Garten is a beloved chef and TV personality known for her cozy, approachable recipes. Her Barefoot Contessa cookbooks and show focus on using fresh, quality ingredients for dishes like pastas, stews, and desserts.

Ina Garten's pasta e fagioli recipe can be found in her cookbook Modern Comfort Food. It highlights humble ingredients transformed into a hearty Italian meal.

Benefits of Pasta e Fagioli

Pasta e fagioli offers a variety of nutritional and health benefits:

  • Provides protein from beans
  • Features iron-rich tomatoes
  • Includes fiber-filled vegetables
  • Satisfying and filling with minimal fat
  • Can use whole grain pasta varieties
  • Comforting, homestyle dish

This well-balanced meal makes an excellent cold weather dinner or accompaniment to crusty bread.

Pasta e Fagioli Ingredients

Garten's recipe calls for:

  • Olive oil
  • Onion
  • Celery
  • Carrots
  • Garlic
  • Dried oregano
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Chicken broth
  • Cannellini beans
  • Ditalini pasta
  • Parsley
  • Parmesan (optional)

Feel free to add any extra veggies like spinach, zucchini, or kale too!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Ina's pasta e fagioli:

  1. Sauté onion, celery, carrot in olive oil 5 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and oregano, cook 1 minute more.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, beans, and pasta.
  4. Simmer 20-25 minutes until pasta is tender.
  5. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in parsley.
  7. Top with grated Parmesan before serving.

The active cooking time is only about 30 minutes for this easy dump-and-simmer soup!

Flavor Variations

Some tasty ways to customize Ina's pasta e fagioli recipe include:

  • Use spicy Italian sausage instead of vegetables for meaty flavor.
  • Add kale or spinach for extra greens.
  • Use rotini or penne pasta for fun shapes.
  • Stir in pesto or creamy burrata cheese for richness.
  • Top with Pecorino or ricotta salata instead of Parmesan.

Make this comforting recipe your own with inventive twists!

Serving Suggestions

Pasta e fagioli tastes delicious when served:

  • Hot in deep bowls with crusty bread for dipping.
  • Garnished with extra Parmesan, parsley, or red pepper flakes.
  • With a salad of mixed greens tossed in lemon vinaigrette.
  • With a side of garlic bread or focaccia for dipping.
  • Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Pair this Italian classic with a glass of Chianti or Pinot Grigio for a satisfying meal.

Expert Tips for Best Results

Use these pro tips when making pasta e fagioli:

  • Sauté vegetables until tender to enhance flavor.
  • Cook pasta al dente so it doesn't get mushy.
  • Use good quality low-sodium broth.
  • Add parmesan rind to broth for extra depth.
  • Simmer soup at least 20 minutes for well-developed flavor.

With a few simple techniques, you’ll achieve maximum flavors.

Common FAQs
 What type of beans work best?

Cannellini or navy beans are ideal. Chickpeas also work well for more texture.

Can I use jars of pre-made sauce?

Yes, substitute 2 jars of marinara sauce if you want a shortcut.

Should I use fresh or dried parsley?

Fresh parsley adds the best flavor, but dried works in a pinch.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, prepare completely then cool and refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.

What kind of pasta is best?

Small shapes like ditalini, tubettini, or elbows work well and hold up during simmering.

Full Recipe

Here is the complete ingredient list and instructions for Ina Garten's Pasta e Fagioli:

Ingredients:

- 2 Tbsp olive oil - 1 cup chopped onion - 1⁄2 cup chopped celery - 1⁄2 cup chopped carrot - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tsp dried oregano - 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes - 1 qt chicken broth - 2 15-oz cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed - 1⁄2 lb ditalini pasta - 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh parsley - 1⁄2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté 5 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and oregano, cook 1 minute more.
  3. Stir in tomatoes, broth, beans, and pasta. Bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer 20-25 minutes, until pasta is tender.
  5. Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Add fresh parsley and stir to combine.
  7. Serve into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy this Italian classic! Adjust recipe to your taste.

The Comfort of Pasta e Fagioli

Ina Garten's version of pasta e fagioli is a timeless, flavorful recipe made with humble ingredients. Customize it to your tastes by adding extra veggies, herbs, or spices for a satisfying bowl of Italian comfort food. With its protein-rich beans, bright tomatoes, and al dente pasta, this soup hits the spot on a chilly night.

More Barefoot Contessa Recipes to Try

If you love Ina Garten's comforting style of cooking, try more Barefoot Contessa recipes like:

  • Classic Beef Stew
  • Chicken Pot Pie
  • Maple Oatmeal Scones
  • Tomato & Mozzarella Panzanella
  • Cozy Blueberry Crisp

Make your next dinner party feel a little more Contessa-cozy!

Pasta e Fagioli is Budget-Friendly Comfort

During tough economic times, pasta e fagioli is a budget-friendly recipe that still satisfies. Beans, pasta, and canned tomatoes keep costs low while delivering a comforting dish with leftovers for several meals. Whip up Ina's version for an affordable dinner that doesn't compromise on enjoyment.

Let Pasta e Fagioli Warm Your Kitchen

On a cold winter day, few dishes are as comforting as a steamy bowl of pasta e fagioli simmering on the stove. The next time you need some warmth and comfort, turn to Ina Garten’s tried and true recipe for this Italian classic. Adjust it to your taste and enjoy a soul-satisfying meal.

Conclusion

With its simple ingredients of pasta, beans, and tomato broth, pasta e fagioli is a rustic Italian dish that warms from the inside out. Ina Garten's version combines canned beans and tomatoes for ease with fresh aromatics. Make this wallet-friendly recipe your own with inventive add-ins and serve with crusty bread for a truly comforting meal.

5 FAQs about Pasta e Fagioli

What type of pasta is traditionally used?

Small short pastas like ditalini, tubetti, or elbows are ideal for holding up to the broth and beans.

Is pancetta a common addition?

Yes, many recipes call for pancetta to add a meaty, salty flavor. Leave it out for vegetarian friendly.

Do you need to soak the beans beforehand?

No, using canned beans eliminates that step for faster preparation.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety to make this dish gluten-free.

Does pasta e fagioli freeze well?

It freezes very well for up to 3 months, just thaw and reheat when ready to eat again.

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