Pasta e Fagioli Soup

By Lucia Ferrara

Pasta e Fagioli Soup (pasta and bean soup) is a very hearty soup. Served on a nice cool falling evening, you just about can’t beat it. This version is vegetarian, but if you want, you could add some ground beef or Italian sausage. I used ditalini pasta, but any small shell pasta or elbow macaroni will work.

Ingredients List

• 1 onion, diced
• 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bunch of parsley, chopped
• 2 cups celery
• 2 15 oz cans of diced tomatoes, do not drain
• 2 cans cannellini beans, do not drain (great northern beans also work)
• 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
• 2 32 oz cartons of chicken or vegan broth
• 1 ½ cup ditali pasta (small shell or elbow macaroni are just as good)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Pasta e Fagioli Soup (pasta and bean soup) is a very hearty soup. Served on a nice cool falling evening, you just about can’t beat it. This version is vegetarian, but if you want, you could add some ground beef or Italian sausage. I used ditalini pasta, but any small shell pasta or elbow macaroni will work.

Top it with grated parmesan cheese and serve with a slice of Italian bread on the side. Or better yet, pair it with grilled cheese sandwiches. Give the adults around the table a nice glass of red wine.

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is always a crowd pleaser. This recipe feeds four to eight people, giving them 8- to 10-ounce servings. You know kids love the pasta, and I guarantee, they will be coming back for seconds.

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Its ingredients are pretty basic, so it’s not only easy to make, it’s easy on your budget, too. It is also a perfect make ahead meal, because as good as it tastes the day you make it, it is even better the next day warmed up in the micro by the bowlful.

One more thing to remember:

Just know that God intends all to be a part of a bigger picture. We need to come together to eat and drink together in fellowship and understand one another even when we disagree with one another. Come to the table, together, eat and drink.

And when you do come, here’s a pray you can all share:

O Gracious God, we give you thanks for your overflowing generosity to us.
Thank you for the blessings of the food we eat.
Thank you for our home and family and friends, especially for the presence of those gathered here.
Thank you for our health, our work and our play.
Please send help to those who are hungry, alone, sick and suffering war and violence.
Open our hearts to your love.
We ask your blessing through Christ your son.

+Amen.

So until next time, ciao and bon appetite!

[Lucia Ferrara, the Director of Hospitality at Precious Blood Renewal Center. Share your thoughts with Lucia or ask her questions using the form below or by sending an email to info@pbrenewalcenter.org.]

(Prayer adapted from “Thanksgiving Table Prayer” in Celebrating Faith: Year-round Activities for Catholic Families, by Mary Cronk Farrell.)