This Authentic Italian Pasta e Fagioli recipe (pasta and beans) is the ultimate comfort food and a staple in all Italian homes. This classic recipe features tender borlotti beans, perfectly cooked pasta, and humble vegetables that are simmered together to create a dish that is creamy, satisfying and so very tasty!
1 ⅔cup(200 grams)ditalini pasta ((or other short pasta))
A sprig of fresh rosemary leaves ((finely chopped))
To serve
freshly ground black pepper
extra virgin olive oil((I like garlic infused olive oil))
finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
Instructions
Cook the Borlotti Beans
Place the borlotti beans in a sieve. Check for dirt or debris, then rinse thoroughly under water.
Transfer the beans to a medium bowl and cover them with plenty of water, at least 3 inches above the beans. Cover the bowl and soak for 8-12 hours.
After soaking, drain and rinse the beans. Place them in a large saucepan and cover them generously with water. Heat over medium heat until the water reaches a gentle boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
Simmer for 30 minutes, then add 1 teaspoon of salt. Continue cooking until the beans are just tender, which could take an additional 5-30 minutes depending on their freshness.
Make Authentic Italian Pasta Fagioli
When the beans are nearly tender, heat extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery, cooking until softened.
Stir in finely chopped pancetta and cook for 2 minutes.
Add the drained beans, reserving the cooking water. Stir well, then add ½ cup (or one ladleful) of the bean cooking water, tomato purée, 1 teaspoon of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add more cooking water as needed and simmer for 10 minutes. Taste and adjust the salt if necessary.
Remove about 1 cup (or two ladlefuls) of the soup and blend it into a smooth purée. Set aside.
Add ditalini pasta to the soup along with 2 cups of the reserved bean cooking water. Cook until the pasta is al dente, stirring regularly to prevent sticking. Add more cooking water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Stir the blended soup back into the pot to create a creamy texture. Adjust seasoning as needed. Add chopped fresh rosemary, cover, and let the soup rest for 3 minutes.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly ground black pepper, a drizzle of olive oil, and freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Notes
Tips for Success
Soaking the beans is essential for a creamy texture and may aid digestion. Don’t skip this step.
Cook dried beans over low heat to keep the water barely simmering. This helps prevent the beans from bursting, though it’s not an issue for this recipe if they do.
Chop the onions, carrots, and celery into small, evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
The amount of bean cooking liquid needed for the pasta can vary. Add it gradually to avoid excess liquid, and if the soup looks dry, add another ladle.
Fresh rosemary is ideal, but dried rosemary works fine too.
This recipe is highly adaptable—experiment with different pasta shapes, beans, or vegetables. Diced potatoes and chopped greens are great additions.