Pasta Fazool Recipe

Olive oil: A staple in Italian cooking, it adds a rich flavor and helps to sauté the onion and garlic.

Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base for the soup.

Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor.

Chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup, adding depth and richness.

Diced tomatoes: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the broth.

Cannellini beans: These beans add a creamy texture and are a great source of protein.

Ditalini pasta: Small, tube-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the soup.

Dried oregano: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.

Dried basil: Provides a sweet and slightly peppery flavor.

Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of the dish.

Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish when served on top.

When cooking the onion until translucent, make sure to stir frequently to prevent it from browning. This ensures a sweeter, more mellow flavor that blends seamlessly with the garlic. Additionally, when adding the ditalini pasta, stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This will help the pasta cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the chicken broth and diced tomatoes.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties, making it a good alternative.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, which can complement the dish well.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor profile, though it lacks the fresh aroma of minced garlic.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a great vegetarian alternative that still adds depth and flavor.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can provide a similar texture and flavor, though they may be slightly more liquid.

• cannellini beans - Substitute with great northern beans: Great northern beans have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a suitable replacement.

• ditalini pasta - Substitute with small elbow macaroni: Small elbow macaroni has a similar size and shape, making it a good alternative for the pasta component.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme offers a slightly different but complementary herbal flavor.

• dried basil - Substitute with dried marjoram: Dried marjoram has a similar sweet and aromatic profile, making it a good substitute.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add a different depth of flavor.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different aroma.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar texture and a slightly sharper flavor, making it a good alternative.

• Allow the Pasta Fazool to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the pasta soggy.

• Transfer the soup to an airtight container. If you have a large batch, consider dividing it into smaller portions for easier reheating.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The Pasta Fazool will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, place the cooled Pasta Fazool in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion as it freezes.

• Label the containers with the date to keep track of freshness. The Pasta Fazool can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the Pasta Fazool in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, use the defrost setting on your microwave.

• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.

• Serve hot, and don't forget to sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese for that final touch of flavor.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Pour the leftover Pasta Fazool into a saucepan.
  2. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help rehydrate the pasta and beans.
  3. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature.
  4. If it thickens too much, add a bit more broth or water.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the Pasta Fazool in a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Add a small amount of chicken broth or water to keep it from drying out.
  3. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
  4. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until it’s hot throughout.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the Pasta Fazool to an oven-safe dish.
  3. Add a bit of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture.
  4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  5. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Place the Pasta Fazool in your slow cooker.
  2. Add a small amount of chicken broth or water.
  3. Set the slow cooker to low and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  4. This method is great for keeping the soup warm for an extended period.

• Double Boiler Method:

  1. Fill the bottom part of a double boiler with water and bring it to a simmer.
  2. Place the Pasta Fazool in the top part of the double boiler.
  3. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through.
  4. This gentle method helps prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.

• Large pot: Used to cook the entire dish, allowing enough space for all ingredients to be combined and simmered.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients without scratching the pot.

• Chef's knife: Essential for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, dried oregano, and dried basil accurately.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the chicken broth and ditalini pasta.

• Can opener: Necessary for opening the cans of diced tomatoes and cannellini beans.

• Colander: Used to drain and rinse the cannellini beans.

• Grater: Used to grate the parmesan cheese for serving.

• Ladle: Ideal for serving the pasta fazool into bowls.

Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the onion and mince the garlic in advance to save time during cooking.

Use canned beans: Opt for canned cannellini beans instead of dried ones to skip the soaking and cooking process.

Quick pasta: Choose ditalini pasta that cooks quickly, reducing overall cooking time.

One-pot method: Cook everything in one pot to minimize cleanup and streamline the process.

Pre-measure spices: Measure out the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper before starting to keep things efficient.