Healthy Pasta Fagioli
This recipe offers a healthy take on Pasta Fagioli, combining cannellini beans, fresh vegetables like onion, tomatoes, celery, and spinach, with whole wheat pasta in a flavorful tomato-based veggie broth. Seasoned with dried parsley, Italian dressing mix, and red pepper, it's a hearty and nutritious meal that comes together efficiently.
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Set of Measuring Spoons/Cups
- 1 Colander or Strainer For rinsing beans and pasta
Ingredients
Main
- Olive Oil 1 TBSP
- Cannellini beans 1 Can- drained and rinsed
- 1 onion – chopped
- 2 mediums sized tomatoes- chopped
- Dried Parsley 2 tsp.
- 1 can of veggie broth
- 3 inches ribs of celery- cut into ½ slices
- 1 8 oz. can of tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of dry Italian Dressing Mix
- 1/2 cup a of raw spinach
- 2 teaspoons of cracked red pepper
- 4 cloves of garlic- minced
- 1 cup of whole wheat pasta
Instructions
- Chop the onion, tomatoes, and celery, and mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the cannellini beans.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and celery to the pot; sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cracked red pepper; cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, dried parsley, tomato sauce, and dry Italian dressing mix. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Pour in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans and the can of veggie broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow all the flavors to deepen.
- Add the whole wheat pasta to the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions, or until the pasta is al dente (typically 8-10 minutes for whole wheat).
- Stir in the raw spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted completely.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving hot.
Notes
To elevate this dish, ensure your aromatics (onion, garlic, celery) are thoroughly softened and fragrant before adding liquids, building a strong flavor base. Mashing about a quarter of the cannellini beans before adding them will create a lovely creaminess and thicken the soup naturally, without needing additional starches. For a brighter finish, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the very end. Be mindful not to overcook the whole wheat pasta; add it towards the end of simmering to maintain an al dente texture. Adjust seasoning at the end, as veggie broth and Italian dressing mix can vary in salt content.