Pasta Fazool Recipe: A Classic Italian Comfort Dish

Pasta Fazool Recipe offers a delightful and easy way to savor a traditional Italian kidney bean soup. It’s also known as Pasta Fagioli or pasta e fagioli. This soup is a traditional Italian soup that is often described as comforting. It is a hearty and warming dish perfect for a chilly night, making it a comforting choice for many. Our post is inspired by the culinary expertise of J. Kenji López-Alt. This recipe lets you experience the rich flavors of Italy in just 30 minutes. Simple to prepare and brimming with wholesome ingredients, it’s a dish that combines ease with nutrition. The straightforward directions make it a joy to cook. More than just a meal, it explores Italian culinary traditions. You’ll surely enjoy a taste of Italy with every flavorful bite inspired by J. Kenji López-Alt’s original Pasta Fazool recipe on Serious Eats. Perfect for novice and seasoned chefs, this kidney bean soup is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients for a Flavorful Pasta Fazool Recipe

Let’s look at how each ingredient plays a vital role in shaping this soup’s unique flavor and texture. To make the perfect bowl of 30-minute Pasta and Kidney Bean Soup, you’ll need:

1. Whole tomatoes: These are the foundation of the pasta fazool recipe. Packed in juice, they are hand-crushed to create a rustic, hearty base and infuse the soup with a rich, tangy flavor.
2. Extra-virgin olive oil and butter: These two fats are the duo that starts it all. Olive oil adds a hint of Mediterranean richness. At the same time, butter brings a smooth, creamy texture, setting the stage for the other ingredients.
3. Pancetta or Bacon (Optional): This is a game-changer. Pancetta or bacon adds a smoky depth, enhancing the soup with a savory, meaty undertone.
4. Onion and Garlic: These two ingredients are the aromatic heart. Their sweet and savory flavors are released when you sauté finely diced onion and minced garlic. This process creates a fragrant base that infuses the entire soup with aroma.
5. Dried Oregano and Red Pepper Flakes: Here we have the spice whisperers. These seasonings introduce a subtle warmth and herbaceous note, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.
6. Chicken broth: It’s liquid gold. Good-quality chicken broth unites all the flavors, adds a savory depth, and ensures the soup has a smooth, sippable consistency.
7. Dark Kidney Beans: The hearty soul. These beans bring a velvety texture and a nutty taste, making the soup satisfying and protein-rich.
8. Small Pasta: The comforting element. Pasta, like shells or ditalini, adds a delightful chewiness, turning the soup into a complete meal.
9. Fresh Parsley: This herb adds the final flourish. Chopped parsley on top adds a burst of color and a fresh, clean flavor that cuts through the soup’s richness.

Each ingredient in this pasta fazool recipe contributes to its overall deliciousness, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that’s both comforting and deeply satisfying.

1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Start by crushing whole tomatoes by hand. This step lays the foundation for a rich, tomato-based soup.
2. Cook the Aromatics: Heat olive oil and butter in a saucepan. Sauté finely diced onion and minced garlic in the saucepan. For extra flavor, add pancetta or bacon. This step creates a tasty base for the soup.
3. Simmer the Soup: Add the hand-crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dark kidney beans, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes to the saucepan. Then, let the soup simmer to beautifully blend the flavors.
4. Add Pasta: Towards the end of cooking, add your choice of small pasta to the soup. Adding pasta makes the dish hearty and satisfying.
5. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper, stir in fresh parsley and serve hot. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil for an added touch of richness.

In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a bowl of Pasta Fazool, a nutritious soup packed with Italy’s authentic flavors. For detailed directions and more tips from J. Kenji López-Alt, check out the original recipe on Serious Eats. This kidney bean soup will surely be a hit, whether you’re an experienced cook or starting.

The Final Stir: Bringing It All Together

Creating a delightful Pasta Fazool doesn’t have to be complicated. With these simple steps, you can bring the authentic taste of Italy right into your home kitchen. This recipe, inspired by the expertise of J. Kenji López-Alt, is perfect for a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal that your family and friends will love.

Remember, cooking is not just about following a recipe; it’s about exploring and enjoying the journey of flavors. So, don’t hesitate to add your personal touch to this classic dish.

And if you’re eager to expand your culinary horizons, delve into J. Kenji López-Alt’s detailed Pasta Fazool Recipe on Serious Eats. This resource is a treasure trove of cooking knowledge and will surely inspire your next kitchen adventure. Happy cooking!

The Final Stir: Bringing It All Together

Creating a delightful Pasta Fazool doesn’t have to be complicated. With these simple steps, you can bring the authentic taste of Italy right into your home kitchen. This recipe, inspired by the expertise of J. Kenji López-Alt, is perfect for a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal that your family and friends will love.

Remember, cooking is not just about following a recipe; it’s about exploring and enjoying the journey of flavors. So, don’t hesitate to add your personal touch to this classic dish.

And if you’re eager to expand your culinary horizons, check out J. Kenji López-Alt’s detailed Pasta Fazool Recipe on Serious Eats. This resource is a treasure trove of cooking knowledge and will surely inspire your next kitchen adventure. Happy cooking!

If you’re a fan of hearty, bean-based soups and looking for more delicious recipes, our White Bean and Kale Soup: Quick Dinner Recipe is a must-try. This nutritious and easy-to-make soup is perfect for those busy weeknights or when you need a comforting, healthy, satisfying meal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Featured image by J. Kenji López-Alt via SeriousEats.com

 

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Editorial Update: We strive to keep our content accurate and up-to-date. As part of our ongoing efforts, this article has been moved from Recipe to FOOD & COOKING on 09/14/2023.

This article was first published on January 14, 2016, and updated on November 12, 2023. We’ve fixed a broken link and enriched the content to improve your reading.