Pasta e Fagioli is just what you need on a cold dreary day. A stick to your ribs comfort food that is full of flavor. Anchovies, pancetta and a parmesan cheese rind contribute to a fabulous soup that comes together in just a few minutes. Great for a weeknight dinner.
Course: Main Course, Side Dish, Soup
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 10
Prep Time: 0 minutesminutes
Cook Time: 40 minutesminutes
Total Time: 40 minutesminutes
Ingredients
1tablespoonolive oil
3ouncespancetta
1medium onion(chopped)
1rib celery(chopped)
4clovesgarlic(minced)
1teaspoonoregano
¼teaspoonred pepper flakes
3anchovy fillets(minced to paste)
28ouncesdiced tomatoes
parmesan cheese rind(5 by 2 inches)
30ouncecannellini beans(2 cans, drained and rinsed)
3 ½cupschicken broth
2 ½cupswater(water)
salt
8ouncespasta
¼cupfresh parsley(chopped)
pepper
3ouncesparmesan cheese(grated)
Instructions
Heat the oil in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally until it begins to brown, 3-5 minutes. Add the onion and celery and cook until soft, 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic oregano, pepper flakes and anchovies. Cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add the tomatoes with liquid, scraping up brown bits from the bottom. Add the cheese rind and beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the chicken broth, water and a teaspoon of salt. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until tender, about 10 minutes depending on the shape of the pasta.
Discard the cheese rind. Turn off the heat and add 3 tablespoons of parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with grated parmesan and parsley.