Pasta Fazool

Pasta Fazool is a delightful dish that combines hearty beans, fresh vegetables, and tender pasta, making it a comforting and budget-friendly meal option for any occasion. This Italian classic is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prep for busy weekdays. Its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients make it a standout choice you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Pasta Fazool can be prepared in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with beans and veggies, this dish provides essential nutrients while being filling and satisfying.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite short pasta or seasonal vegetables for endless variations.
• Budget-Friendly: With affordable ingredients, you can serve a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
• Comforting Flavors: The combination of herbs and garlic creates a warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.

Tools and Preparation

Before getting started on your Pasta Fazool, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Blender (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for cooking the entire dish in one vessel. It allows for easy sautéing and simmering.
• Blender: Useful if you prefer a creamier texture by blending part of the soup. It enhances the overall consistency.

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Ingredients

This Pasta Fazool offers a heartwarming bowl of beans, veggies, and tender pasta, making it a comforting and budget-friendly meal option fit for any occasion.

Ingredients:
– 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 1 large carrot, diced
– 1 celery rib, diced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 sprig of fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried)
– 1 small sprig of fresh thyme (or ¼ teaspoon dried)
– 2 cans (15 oz each) borlotti beans or cannellini beans, drained
– 1 cup (240 ml) canned diced tomatoes
– 4 cups (960 ml) low-sodium vegetable broth
– 7 oz (190-200 grams) short pasta (ditali, orecchiette, shells, etc.)
– ½ teaspoon fine salt (or to taste)
– ⅛ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

How to Make Pasta Fazool

Step 1: Warm the Olive Oil

Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Sauté diced onion, carrot, and celery for about 10 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Add minced garlic, bay leaf, rosemary, and thyme; cook for 30–40 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Incorporate Beans and Tomatoes

Incorporate drained beans and canned tomatoes; add 3 cups of vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper, then bring to a boil.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaf and rosemary after simmering.

Step 6: Blend Part of the Soup

Blend about ⅓ of the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or standing blender. Return blended soup to the pot.

Step 7: Add Pasta

Stir in short pasta while adjusting with reserved broth to achieve desired consistency.

Step 8: Cook the Pasta

Cook until pasta is al dente; taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 9: Serve

Serve in bowls with a drizzle of olive oil on top and garnish as desired. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Pasta Fazool!

How to Serve Pasta Fazool

Pasta Fazool is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped parsley – A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant color and fresh flavor.
• Grated Parmesan cheese – While not vegan, adding Parmesan brings a salty depth to the dish.
• Crushed red pepper flakes – For those who enjoy a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes can enhance the flavors beautifully.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Sourdough bread – This tangy bread complements the soup’s richness, perfect for dipping.
• Garlic bread – The buttery garlic flavor pairs well with Pasta Fazool and makes for an indulgent side.
• Breadsticks – Light and crunchy, they offer a fun way to scoop up the delicious soup.

Add a Side Salad

• Mixed greens salad – A simple salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and vinaigrette provides freshness.
• Caesar salad – The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons add texture and flavor contrast.

How to Perfect Pasta Fazool

To achieve the best version of Pasta Fazool, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish is full of flavor and has the ideal texture.

• Use quality broth – A good vegetable broth enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup.
• Cook pasta separately – For better control over the pasta’s doneness, cook it separately and add it just before serving.
• Adjust seasoning – Always taste before serving; seasoning can vary depending on the broth used.
• Incorporate seasonal vegetables – Adding seasonal veggies boosts nutrition and flavor diversity in your dish.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta Fazool

When serving Pasta Fazool, pairing it with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Toast – Simple toasted bread topped with garlic butter; perfect for soaking up the soup.
2. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze add freshness.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized bring out natural sweetness.
4. Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with grains or legumes provide extra heartiness to the meal.
5. Couscous Salad – Light couscous mixed with herbs and lemon offers a refreshing contrast to the soup.
6. Polenta Fries – Crispy polenta sticks that are fun to dip into the rich flavors of Pasta Fazool.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pasta Fazool, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here’s how to avoid them.

• Boldly skip the prep: Not chopping your vegetables properly can lead to uneven cooking. Take the time to dice your onion, carrot, and celery evenly for the best texture.
• Boldly ignore seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your dish bland. Taste your broth and adjust salt and pepper as needed throughout the cooking process.
• Boldly overcook pasta: Overcooked pasta can turn mushy in soup. Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to soften when added to the soup.
• Boldly forget about blending: Failing to blend part of the soup can result in a less creamy texture. Blend about a third of the soup for a delightful consistency.
• Boldly skip garnishing: Neglecting to garnish with olive oil or fresh herbs can diminish flavor. A drizzle of olive oil adds richness and enhances presentation.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Pasta Fazool

• Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in containers as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Pasta Fazool

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pasta Fazool.

What is Pasta Fazool?

Pasta Fazool is a comforting Italian dish made with beans, vegetables, and short pasta simmered together in flavorful broth.

Can I customize my Pasta Fazool?

Yes! You can add different vegetables or use various types of beans based on your preference. Feel free to experiment!

How do I make Pasta Fazool vegetarian?

To keep it vegetarian, ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth and stick with plant-based ingredients.

How long does Pasta Fazool last?

Properly stored in the refrigerator, Pasta Fazool lasts up to 4 days. It can be frozen for up to 3 months if stored correctly.

Final Thoughts

This Pasta Fazool recipe is not only delicious but also versatile and budget-friendly. Its rich flavors come from simple ingredients that make it perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite veggies or beans—get creative and enjoy this heartwarming meal!