Description
This Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli is a cozy, hearty Italian classic loaded with tender pasta, creamy cannellini beans, and rich tomato broth. Inspired by Ina Garten’s simple approach, this one-pot meal is quick, comforting, and perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup ditalini or elbow pasta
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Chop onion, carrots, celery, and mince garlic.
- Cook Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 8-10 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build the Broth: Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes to develop flavor.
- Stir in Beans and Pasta: Add cannellini beans and pasta. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Final Seasoning: Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in fresh parsley.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with crusty bread.
Notes
For best texture, cook pasta separately if making ahead and combine when serving. Substitute navy beans or great northern beans if needed. Add spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes for extra nutrition. Adjust broth for a thinner or thicker consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6th of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg