Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe is a delightful and hearty dish that warms the soul. This classic Italian soup is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a cozy night in. Its rich flavors and comforting ingredients make it a standout option that everyone will love. With simple preparation and minimal cooking time, this Pasta Fagioli recipe will quickly become a go-to for busy evenings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This Pasta Fagioli can be made in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight meals.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and beans creates a savory flavor profile that is satisfying and delicious.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or as a starter; this soup fits perfectly into any meal plan.
- Nutritious Option: Packed with vegetables and beans, this dish offers a healthy dose of fiber and protein.
- Family-Friendly: With its mild flavors and hearty texture, it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large saucepan: This is crucial for sautéing vegetables and simmering the soup all in one pot.
- Pot for boiling pasta: A separate pot ensures that your pasta cooks perfectly without sticking to the other ingredients.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without damaging your cookware while mixing flavors together.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision in measurements guarantees consistent results every time you make this dish.

Ingredients
Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli is made with olive oil, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, tomato sauce, chicken broth, parsley, basil, black pepper, ditalini pasta, and cannellini beans. This hearty Pasta Fagioli recipe creates a tasty dinner that takes about 45 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.
Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- ½ teaspoon chopped garlic
Broth Base
- 24 to 32 ounces tomato sauce (adjust based on desired thickness)
- 1 (14 ounce) can low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- ½ tablespoon dried basil leaves
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta & Beans
- 1 ½ cups ditalini pasta
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
How to Make Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook while stirring until the vegetables soften for about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant but be careful not to let it burn.
Step 2: Simmer the Soup
Pour in the low sodium chicken broth along with parsley, basil leaves, black pepper, and tomato sauce. Stir everything together well. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 20 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
In a separate pot filled with salted water, bring it to a boil. Add the ditalini pasta to the boiling water and cook for approximately 8 minutes until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta once ready.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Add both the cooked ditalini pasta and rinsed cannellini beans into the simmering soup. Allow it to simmer again for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through. Taste your soup before serving; adjust seasoning with salt or black pepper if needed.
Step 5: Serve
Serve your delicious Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli hot from the pot! You may optionally garnish each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Pair it with some crusty bread for an unforgettable meal!
How to Serve Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Serving Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli is all about enhancing its hearty flavors and making it a comforting meal. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Use fresh basil or parsley on top of each bowl for a pop of color and added freshness.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Serve warm, crusty bread on the side for dipping into the soup. A rustic sourdough or ciabatta works wonderfully.
Add Grated Cheese
- Top individual servings with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
Include a Salad
- A light green salad dressed in vinaigrette complements the richness of the Pasta Fagioli nicely.
Offer a Side of Olive Oil
- Provide high-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling over the soup, adding richness and depth.
Serve with Lemon Wedges
- Lemon wedges can brighten the dish when squeezed over the soup before eating, enhancing its flavors.
How to Perfect Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe
To truly master the Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli recipe, consider these helpful tips that enhance both taste and texture.
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Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and good-quality chicken broth will significantly improve overall flavor.
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Adjust Tomato Sauce: Feel free to modify the amount of tomato sauce based on your desired thickness; less for a lighter soup, more for a richer base.
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Cook Pasta Separately: Cooking ditalini pasta separately prevents it from soaking up too much broth, keeping it al dente when combined.
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Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust seasonings like salt and pepper gradually to achieve your perfect balance.
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Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld beautifully before serving.
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Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors deepen even more after a day!
Best Side Dishes for Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options that complement this hearty soup perfectly.
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Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, garlic bread adds a savory crunch that’s perfect for dipping.
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Caprese Salad: This fresh salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring additional flavors and colors to your table while being nutritious.
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Spinach Salad: Lightly dressed spinach salad with nuts and berries offers a healthy balance to the hearty soup.
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Cheesy Polenta: Creamy, cheesy polenta is a comforting side dish that pairs well with the flavors of Pasta Fagioli.
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Stuffed Peppers: Vegetables stuffed with rice or quinoa serve as a filling accompaniment that complements the Italian theme.
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Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses makes for an elegant starter before enjoying your main dish.
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Zucchini Fritters: Crispy zucchini fritters provide great texture and flavor while being easy to make alongside your main course.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Pasta Fagioli can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Sauté them just until they are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to season at multiple stages leads to bland soup. Season the broth and taste as you go for the best flavor.
- Using Overcooked Pasta: Adding overcooked pasta can result in a mushy texture. Cook the pasta al dente and add it just before serving.
- Not Adjusting Thickness: Tomato sauce thickness varies, which affects your soup’s consistency. Start with less sauce and add more until you reach your desired thickness.
- Skipping Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs enhance flavor significantly. Always use dried herbs during cooking but finish with fresh herbs if possible.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of the container for expansion.
Reheating Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding the Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe:
What is the origin of Pasta Fagioli?
Pasta Fagioli is an Italian dish that translates to pasta and beans. It’s traditionally made with simple ingredients that vary by region.
Can I make Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit any meat products and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
How do I customize my Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe?
You can add vegetables like spinach or kale, switch up the pasta shape, or adjust spices according to your taste preferences.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe stores well and can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The total preparation time is about 45 minutes, including both prep and cooking time.
Final Thoughts
The Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe is not only hearty and flavorful but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices. Give this comforting dish a try; it’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in!
Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Recipe is a warm and inviting Italian classic that promises to delight your taste buds. This hearty soup combines the wholesome goodness of fresh vegetables, nutritious beans, and flavorful herbs, creating a dish that’s not only satisfying but also easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this Pasta Fagioli is ready in just 45 minutes. With its rich tomato base and tender pasta, it’s a comforting bowl of goodness that everyone will love. Serve it hot with crusty bread for an unforgettable meal that warms both the heart and soul.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- ½ teaspoon chopped garlic
- 24 to 32 ounces tomato sauce (adjust based on desired thickness)
- 1 (14 ounce) can low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- ½ tablespoon dried basil leaves
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups ditalini pasta
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery; sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth, parsley, basil, black pepper, and tomato sauce; stir well. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 20 minutes.
- In a separate pot, boil salted water; add ditalini pasta and cook until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain.
- Add cooked pasta and rinsed cannellini beans to the soup; simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot with optional garnishes like fresh herbs or grated cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg