Pasta Fagio

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Intensity: Easy

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup ditalini pasta or small pasta of your choice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
2. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
   • Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Add Beans and Seasonings:
   • Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans and red kidney beans to the pot. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Allow the soup to simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Cook Pasta:
   • While the soup is simmering, cook the ditalini pasta in a separate pot according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
5. Combine Pasta and Soup:
   • Once the soup has simmered and the vegetables are tender, add the cooked ditalini pasta to the pot. Stir well to combine.
6. Adjust Consistency:
   • If the soup is too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, allow it to simmer for a few more minutes to thicken slightly.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the pasta e fagioli into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
8. Enjoy:
   • Serve hot and enjoy this comforting and hearty Italian pasta and bean soup with crusty bread or a side salad.

Note: Pasta e fagioli can be easily customized based on your preferences. Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach, kale, or zucchini. You can also adjust the seasonings to taste and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.