Pasta e Fagioli
Do you ever feel like you just need a big bowl of comfort? Well lately I sure have and this soup is like eating a big hug:) Pasta e fagioli is a traditional Italian soup that means “pasta and beans”. The ingredients are inexpensive, and the recipe is simple but oh so delish! Often, this soup is pronounced “pasta fazool” in the United States, but however you pronounce it….I promise you are going to love it.
The building blocks of this hearty soup are pasta and beans that are simmered in an herb-infused tomato sauce. You can make this on the stovetop or in the slow cooker. There are many recipe variations of Pasta e Fagioli, but the pasta and beans are important in this dish. In my recipe, I share all the different ways you can change it up…different beans, pasta, and even how to make it vegetarian.
I prefer using small pasta, like the small soup pasta shells from Cervasi. The Cervasi soup shells are a perfect size AND the shell holds all of the delicious broth for a perfect bite every time. However, small elbow macaroni may be substituted as well
This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but a side salad, Italian breadsticks or a crusty loaf of bread are great additions. I love dipping bread into the delicious broth. Also, be sure to garnish the soup heavily with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
This is a perfect meal for entertaining. Make the soup and prep the salad earlier in the day. When your guests arrive, all you need to do is dress the salad and open a bottle of wine and ….viola….you have a perfect Italian Meal!
I always encourage you to make your food your own. Don’t feel bad about skipping or swapping out an ingredient, adding additional things you like or reducing broth, etc. This is the beauty of cooking vs. baking. The food you cook in your home for your friends and family is your unique gift to them. It’s your time, effort and love poured into a bowl. I hope you create new memories with my recipes you serve to “family”….food is love and best when shared!
xx,
L.
PS: And it’s super healthy….bonus!
