Easy Pasta Fagioli Dinner Recipe

Alright, gather ’round, folks, because today we’re tackling one of those magical dishes that sounds way fancier than it is, but delivers on comfort like your grandma’s favorite worn-out sweater. We’re talking about Easy Pasta Fagioli Dinner Recipe, a humble Italian-American classic that basically translates to “pasta and beans.” Revolutionary, I know. But hear me out: this isn’t just any pasta and beans. This is the kind of hearty, warming, budget-friendly bowl of goodness that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if your laundry pile begs to differ. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something substantial, ridiculously flavorful, and don’t want to spend three hours wrestling with a complicated recipe. Plus, it uses mostly pantry staples, so you don’t even have to put on real pants to go to the store. You’re welcome.

Speaking of wearing pants, or not, let me tell you about the last time I made this. My husband, bless his cotton socks, decided it would be a “great opportunity” for the kids to “learn about the origins of food.” Which, in our house, means he was going to try and teach them about dried beans while I was attempting to get dinner on the table. The next thing I know, there are beans *everywhere*. On the counter, in the sink, somehow in the dog’s ear (don’t ask), and one even ricocheted off the ceiling. He was trying to demonstrate how they “jumped” when soaked. Spoiler alert: they don’t, but they do make a spectacular mess when flung by enthusiastic tiny humans. I ended up just using canned beans and gave him a look that clearly communicated, “You’re doing the dishes tonight.” The Pasta Fagioli, despite the bean shrapnel incident, was still a hit. Mostly because everyone was starving after the impromptu bean-dodgeball tournament.

Time-Saving Hacks

• Honestly, just buy pre-chopped onions and garlic. Yes, it feels like cheating, but your tears will thank you.
• Use canned crushed tomatoes and broth. You’re not a Nonna in a Tuscan villa; embrace the convenience.
• Don’t bother browning your pasta separately. Just toss it right into the pot with everything else. The starch will help thicken the soup, making you look like a genius.
• Washing fewer dishes? That’s my jam. Use a large Dutch oven or stockpot for everything. One pot to rule them all, one pot to clean them all. (Mostly.)
• Skip the fancy garnishes. If it doesn’t add flavor *immediately*, it’s purely decorative, and you’re too busy for that.

Serving Ideas

• A hefty slab of crusty bread for dipping. Because carbs on carbs is not a problem, it’s a lifestyle choice.
• A simple green salad with a vinaigrette – mainly so you can pretend you’re eating a balanced meal.
• A glass of red wine if the kids drove you absolutely bonkers before dinner. Or, you know, just because.
• Honestly, sometimes a spoon is all you need. This dish is self-sufficient like that.

What to Serve It With

See “Serving Ideas” above. Or just eat it standing over the stove with a ladle. We don’t judge.

✔Tips & Mistakes

Tip: Use a pot *much* larger than you think you need. Pasta and beans expand, people! Don’t ask me how I know this.
Mistake: Forgetting to add enough liquid. This is a soup, not a pasta casserole, unless you’re going for that vibe.
Tip: Taste, taste, taste! Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as you go. It’s not magic, it’s seasoning.
Mistake: Thinking you need to use *all* the fancy ingredients. Stick to the basics first; you can get gourmet later.
Tip: Don’t cook the pasta into oblivion. It should be al dente, like a good Italian stereotype.

✔Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.

✔Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Easy Pasta Fagioli Dinner Recipe

A simple and comforting pasta fagioli recipe packed with flavor and heartiness.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1 lb ground beef can substitute with turkey or meat alternative
• ▢ 1 cup carrots, diced fresh or frozen works
• ▢ 1 cup celery, diced adds crunch and flavor
• ▢ 1 cup onion, chopped yellow or white onions recommended
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic, minced for a stronger flavor, add more
• ▢ 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz can, no salt added preferred
• ▢ 1 can cannellini beans drained and rinsed
• ▢ 6 cups beef broth low sodium recommended
• ▢ 1 cup small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni
• ▢ 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning or use a mix of oregano and basil
• ▢ 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
• ▢ 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground if possible

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
• Add the carrots, celery, and onion to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
• Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and bring to a boil.
• Add the beans and pasta; reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
• Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Notes

For extra flavor, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy with crusty bread!