Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe

This Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe is a hearty and comforting soup, which includes cannellini beans and small pasta. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 55 minutes.

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Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken stock or vegetable broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini or elbow)
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

How To Make Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli

1. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
2. Add tomato base: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes and stir well.
3. Build the broth: Pour in chicken stock or vegetable broth. Add the beans, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer the soup: Lower the heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes to blend flavors.
5. Cook the pasta: Add the pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until al dente. Stir occasionally.
6. Finish and serve: Remove rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use other beans?
  Yes, try navy beans or great northern beans as substitutes.
• How to make it vegetarian:
  Use vegetable broth and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese.
• Can I cook the pasta separately?
  Yes, especially if you plan to store leftovers. Add pasta just before serving.
• Can I freeze this soup?
  Yes, but for best texture, freeze without the pasta and add it fresh later.
• What if the soup is too thick?
  Add more broth or water to thin it to your desired consistency.

What To Serve With Pasta Fagioli

This rustic soup pairs well with:

• Crusty bread or garlic toast
• A simple green salad
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Grilled cheese sandwiches
• A glass of red wine

How To Store Pasta Fagioli

Refrigerate:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze:
Freeze without pasta for best results. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Pasta Fagioli Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 10g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portion size.

FAQs

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, add all ingredients except pasta and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Add pasta in the last 30 minutes.

How do I keep pasta from overcooking in leftovers?
Cook pasta separately and add it when reheating.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What can I use instead of tomato paste?
Double the diced tomatoes or use a spoon of marinara sauce.

How to make it spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce during cooking.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe
• Ina Garten Couscous With Pine Nuts Recipe
• Ina Garten Jambalaya Recipe