A hearty and comforting dish, the Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe is perfect for any occasion. This rustic Italian soup combines beans, pasta, and fresh vegetables, making it a wholesome choice for cozy weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends. Its rich flavors and delightful textures ensure that this recipe will be a hit with everyone around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of herbs and vegetables creates a warm, inviting flavor profile that satisfies.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or as a starter; it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with beans and vegetables, this soup offers plenty of fiber and essential nutrients.
- Make-Ahead Meal: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
Tools and Preparation
To create the delicious Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe, gather your tools and get ready. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all ingredients to blend perfectly.
- Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pot while ensuring all flavors are well combined.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy for efficient prep time.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For Flavoring
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
For Beans and Pasta
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans
- 1 cup small pasta
For Herbs and Seasoning
- 1 sprig rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)
- 2 sprigs thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt,
- ½ tsp pepper
Optional Garnish
- Parmesan and parsley for serving
How to Make Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
– Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery.
– Sauté until they become soft, about 5-7 minutes.
– Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Tomato Base
Next, mix in the tomato paste along with the can of diced tomatoes.
– Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients together.
Step 3: Incorporate Broth and Beans
Now it’s time to add depth to your soup.
– Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth along with both cans of beans.
– Toss in the rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
– Bring everything to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Once boiling, reduce heat to low.
– Let it simmer for about 20–25 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Finally, add your small pasta to the pot.
– Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Once cooked:
– Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
– Remove herb sprigs before serving.
– Serve hot with optional Parmesan cheese and parsley sprinkled on top.
Enjoy your warm bowl of Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe, perfect for sharing with loved ones!
How to Serve Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Serving Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli is a delightful experience, especially when paired with the right accompaniments. This hearty soup can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance its flavors and make for a cozy meal.
Classic Garnishes
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh Parmesan adds a nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley offers a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Bread Pairings
- Crusty Baguette: A warm baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic Bread: Add a savory twist with garlic butter spread on toasted bread.
Salads
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with Caesar dressing complements the richness of the soup.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provide a light contrast.
How to Perfect Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe
To make your Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips. Each suggestion will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Bold Flavors: Use freshly chopped herbs instead of dried for more vibrant flavors.
- Broth Choice: Opt for homemade broth if possible; it enhances the overall taste.
- Pasta Timing: Add pasta towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking and mushiness.
- Bean Variety: Mix different beans for varied textures and flavors, such as black beans or chickpeas.
- Simmer Longer: Letting the soup simmer longer can deepen its flavor profile.
Best Side Dishes for Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Pairing your Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli with delicious side dishes elevates your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots infused with garlic are perfect for mopping up soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Colorful seasonal veggies roasted until tender add nutrition and flavor.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers can serve as a filling accompaniment.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes and basil makes for a vibrant side.
- Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta offers a comforting complement to the pasta fagioli.
- Antipasto Platter: A variety of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables create an inviting starter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe can be straightforward, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are a few to watch out for:
Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Sauté them just until they’re soft, which enhances their flavor and texture.
Skipping Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs add depth to your soup. If you use only dried herbs, try using them more generously or add fresh herbs at the end for a burst of flavor.
Ignoring Seasoning: Under-seasoning your dish can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper towards the end of cooking for the best results.
Using Too Much Pasta: Adding too much pasta can make your soup too thick. Follow the recipe’s pasta amount closely for a balanced consistency.
Not Letting it Simmer: Skipping the simmering step may prevent flavors from developing fully. Allow the soup to simmer as suggested for rich, hearty taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe
- Use freezer-safe containers for best results.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of Pasta Fagioli?
Pasta Fagioli is a traditional Italian dish that combines pasta and beans, often seen as comfort food in various regions across Italy.
Can I make Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Just substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure no animal-derived ingredients are used.
How long does it take to prepare Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe?
The total time for preparation and cooking is about 55 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal option.
What types of beans work best in this recipe?
Cannellini beans and kidney beans are great choices due to their creamy texture and ability to absorb flavors well.
Final Thoughts
This Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe is both hearty and comforting, making it perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings. The versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs. Give it a try; you might discover your new favorite soup!
Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe is a heartwarming Italian dish that perfectly blends pasta, beans, and fresh vegetables into a comforting soup. This rustic recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrients, making it an ideal choice for cozy weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. With its rich aroma and delightful textures, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed as a main course or paired with crusty bread for a satisfying starter.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans
- 1 cup small pasta
- 1 sprig rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)
- 2 sprigs thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery; sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Mix in tomato paste and diced tomatoes until combined.
- Pour in chicken or vegetable broth along with both cans of beans. Add rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- Add small pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary, remove herb sprigs, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For added depth of flavor, use freshly chopped herbs instead of dried ones. Customize the beans by adding black beans or chickpeas for varied textures. This soup can be made ahead of time; it tastes even better the next day!
