Authentic Pasta Fagioli Recipe: How to make Italian Pasta e Fagioli [One-Pot]

cannellini beans

🥗Healthier: navy beans

💰Cheaper: pinto beans

Navy beans are lower in calories, while pinto beans are often less expensive.

Parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated Pecorino

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy, while Pecorino is often more affordable.

Heat olive oil in a large pan until hot.

Add 1 clove of garlic, chopped, along with chopped carrot, celery, and onion; cook until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.

Add in the precooked, drained, and rinsed cranberry beans; stir to combine and cook for about 5 minutes.

Stir in tomato paste and 2 cups of water; mix well.

Season with salt, black pepper, and bay leaves; cook on low for about 15 minutes to let flavors meld.

Remove bay leaves and garlic from the mixture.

Optionally, use the back of a spoon to squash some beans for creaminess or use a hand mixer to emulsify a portion of the beans.

Add in 1 pound of pasta; stir to combine and check liquid level.

Add additional water if necessary to cover the pasta; bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook on low for about 10-15 minutes.

Check pasta for doneness and add more water if needed; stir to ensure creaminess and desired consistency.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens