Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe

The Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe is the perfect choice for you. This dish is a thick, hearty soup filled with beans and pasta.

It is much better than anything you find in a can. Ina Garten makes this rustic meal very easy to cook at home.

Learning how to make Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli is a great skill for any home cook.

You only need one large pot to make it. This Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe is perfect for a cold winter night.

The broth is rich with tomatoes and savory herbs. Every spoonful is packed with healthy protein and soft noodles.

Your family will love this traditional Italian treat. Let us start cooking this amazing soup today!

When I First Introduced to Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli

I first saw this recipe on a very chilly afternoon. I wanted a soup that felt like a full meal.

The Barefoot Contessa showed how to make it thick and rich. It looked so cozy and smelled wonderful in her kitchen.

I tried it for a Sunday family dinner. Everyone reached for a second piece of bread to dip.

The smell of garlic and rosemary was so inviting. It is now my favorite recipe for rainy days.

You do not need fancy skills to make this. It just takes simple ingredients and a little time.

You will love this classic “pasta and beans” dish.

Equipment List

• One large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven.
• A sharp chef’s knife.
• A sturdy wooden stirring spoon.
• A can opener.
• A liquid measuring cup.
• A large ladle for serving.
• A clean cutting board.

Ingredients You Need for Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli

Gather these ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli:

• 2 tablespoons of good olive oil.
• 4 ounces of diced pancetta or bacon.
• 1 cup of chopped yellow onion.
• 1 cup of diced carrots.
• 1 cup of diced celery stalks.
• 3 cloves of minced fresh garlic.
• 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes.
• 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary.
• 2 cans (15 ounces) of Cannellini beans.
• 1 cup of small ditalini pasta.
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Brown the Meat

Heat the olive oil in your large pot. Add the diced pancetta over medium heat. Cook it until it is very brown and crispy.

2. Sauté the Veggies

Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook them until they are soft and translucent. This takes about eight to ten minutes.

3. Add the Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for just one minute so it smells good. Do not let the garlic turn brown or burnt.

4. Pour the Liquids

Add the crushed tomatoes and the chicken broth. Stir in the dried oregano and the rosemary sprig. Bring the soup to a soft boil.

5. Add the Beans

Drain and rinse the Cannellini beans very well. Add them to the bubbling soup pot. Lower the heat and let it simmer for ten minutes.

6. Cook the Pasta

Stir in the dry ditalini pasta. Let it cook in the soup for ten minutes. The pasta will soak up some of the broth.

7. Check the Texture

If the soup is too thick, add more broth. The pasta makes the liquid very starchy and rich. Remove the rosemary sprig before you serve.

8. Garnish and Serve

Ladle the hot soup into deep bowls. Sprinkle plenty of Parmesan cheese on top. Add a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.

Tips to Make the Best Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli

• Use pancetta for a very authentic Italian taste.
• Always rinse your canned beans before adding them.
• This removes the salty liquid from the can.
• Do not overcook the pasta in the soup.
• It will continue to soften as it sits.
• Use a small pasta shape like ditalini or elbow.
• Add a pinch of red pepper for heat.
• Fresh rosemary adds a much better scent than dried.
• Serve with a side of toasted garlic bread.
• Store leftovers with a little extra broth.

FAQs about Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, skip the pancetta and use vegetable broth. It will still taste very fresh and delicious.

What if I cannot find ditalini pasta?

You can use any small pasta shape. Elbow macaroni or small shells work very well.

How do I make the soup thicker?

Mash one can of beans before adding them. This makes the broth very creamy and thick.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, but the pasta may get very soft. It is best to freeze the soup without pasta.

Is this soup healthy for me?

Yes, it is full of fiber and vegetables. It is a very balanced and light meal.

Final Thoughts

The Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe is a true delight. It is simple to make and very filling to eat.

This soup brings the taste of Italy to your home. You will feel very warm and satisfied after a bowl.

It is a great way to use pantry staples like beans. Making this dish is a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Your kitchen will smell like a cozy Italian café. Give this wonderful recipe a try this weekend.

You will love every bite of this hearty pasta soup!