Pasta Fazool Recipe

Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onion and garlic, adding a rich flavor base to the dish.

Onion: Provides a sweet and savory depth to the broth.

Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic quality that enhances the overall flavor.

Chicken broth: Forms the liquid base of the soup, adding a savory richness.

Diced tomatoes: Contributes acidity and sweetness, balancing the flavors.

Cannellini beans: Adds a creamy texture and protein, making the dish hearty.

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

Dried oregano: Adds a slightly bitter, earthy flavor.

Dried basil: Contributes a sweet, herbal note.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dish.

Pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity.

Parmesan cheese: Grated on top for a salty, umami finish.

When sautéing the onion and garlic, ensure you do not rush the process. Cooking the onion until it is translucent allows it to release its natural sweetness, which adds depth to the dish. Similarly, adding the garlic just for a minute prevents it from burning and turning bitter, ensuring it imparts a rich, aromatic flavor to the Pasta Fazool.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it a good alternative for sautéing.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can add a subtle sweetness to the dish.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is unavailable, though it has a less intense flavor.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a good alternative for a vegetarian version of the dish.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes provide a similar texture and flavor, though they may make the sauce slightly thicker.

• 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 elbow macaroni: 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 has a different but complementary flavor profile that can work well in the dish.

• dried basil - Substitute with dried parsley: Dried parsley offers a mild flavor and can add a touch of color to the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also darken the color of the dish.

• 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 completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the pasta soggy.
• Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. For individual servings, use smaller containers to make reheating easier.
• Label the containers with the date to keep track of freshness. Pasta Fazool can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, place the soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some space at the top of the container or bag to allow for expansion as the soup freezes.
• If using freezer bags, lay them flat in the freezer to save space and ensure even freezing.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the Pasta Fazool in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• If the pasta has absorbed too much liquid during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
• For best results, store the grated parmesan cheese separately and add it fresh when serving. This keeps the cheese from becoming mushy during storage.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place the leftover Pasta Fazool in a saucepan.
  2. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
  3. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the Pasta Fazool to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Add a small amount of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.
  3. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  4. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stir, and then continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot.
  5. Stir well and top with grated parmesan cheese before serving.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the Pasta Fazool in 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 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
  6. Remove from the oven, stir, and serve with a generous amount of grated parmesan cheese on top.

• Large pot: Used for cooking the pasta fazool; it needs to be big enough to hold all the ingredients and allow them to simmer properly.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients as they cook, ensuring even cooking and preventing sticking.

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

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

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

• Measuring cups: Necessary for measuring the chicken broth and ditalini pasta to ensure the correct proportions.

• Can opener: Required to open the cans of diced tomatoes and cannellini beans.

• Colander: Used to drain and rinse the cannellini beans before adding them to the pot.

• Grater: Needed for grating the parmesan cheese to top the dish before serving.

• Ladle: Useful for serving the hot 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 beans to cut down on preparation time.

Quick pasta cook: Use ditalini pasta which cooks quickly, reducing overall cooking time.

One-pot method: Cook everything in one large pot to minimize cleanup time.

Pre-measure spices: Measure out the dried oregano and dried basil before starting to streamline the cooking process.