How to Make Ina Garten’s Pasta Fagioli at Home (Better Than the Original!

If you’re a fan of Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa, you know she has a way of turning simple ingredients into elegant, soul-warming dishes. One of the most comforting meals you can make at home is Pasta Fagioli, a hearty Italian soup loaded with tender beans, savory pancetta, rich tomato broth, and perfectly cooked pasta. While Ina hasn’t shared an official recipe, we’ve crafted the best copycat version that captures her signature style, fresh, flavorful, and effortlessly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Inspired by Barefoot Contessa: This recipe follows Ina’s philosophy of using quality ingredients for the best flavor.
✔ Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The right mix of herbs, pancetta, and tomatoes creates a restaurant-worthy taste.
✔ Easy & Cozy: A one-pot meal that’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests.

✨ Ready to make the best Pasta Fagioli you’ve ever had? Let’s get started!

What Makes Ina Garten’s Pasta Fagioli Special?

If you’ve ever tasted Ina Garten’s Pasta Fagioli, you know it’s not just any Italian soup. It’s a perfect example of Ina’s philosophy: simple, high-quality ingredients elevated with her unique touch. Her recipes have a way of transforming humble dishes into something extraordinary, and this Pasta Fagioli is no exception.

The Secret Ingredients & Method

What sets Ina’s recipe apart is her use of fresh, flavorful ingredients combined with a homemade approach. Instead of relying on store-bought broth, Ina opts for making her own, which adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate. She also uses canned beans for convenience, but the real magic lies in how everything is brought together.

Ina’s method focuses on developing deep flavors through slow cooking, allowing the beans to absorb the broth and seasonings fully. The vegetables are sautéed to perfection, providing a rich base for the soup.

Why This Recipe is “Better Than the Original”

So, why is this version better than the original? We’ve taken everything that makes Ina Garten’s Pasta Fagioli great and added a few extra steps to make the soup even richer, heartier, and more balanced. Here’s how:

• Extra Umami: By incorporating a splash of balsamic vinegar and a few extra herbs (like thyme and rosemary), the flavor profile is enhanced.
• Creamier Texture: A quick blitz of a portion of the soup in a blender helps create a silky smooth base while leaving the rest chunky for texture.
• Perfect Pasta: Using fresh pasta or a bit of dente rigatoni will give this soup the perfect bite, unlike traditional pasta that can often get soggy in the broth.

These small tweaks elevate the original recipe into something that’s both classic and innovative, while still staying true to the heart and soul of Ina’s comforting, cozy soup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Ina Garten’s Pasta Fagioli at home doesn’t require a lot of fancy ingredients. What matters is using fresh, high-quality produce and savory pantry staples. Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate this comforting, flavorful soup from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Essential Ingredients:

• Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and building the base of the soup. Go for extra virgin for the best flavor.
• Carrots, Celery, and Onion: These three classic veggies (known as soffritto) form the aromatic foundation of the soup.
• Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic adds a punch of flavor that complements the broth beautifully.
• Canned Cannellini Beans: These white beans are creamy and tender, perfect for Pasta Fagioli. Make sure to drain and thoroughly rinse the beans before adding them to the soup.
• Diced Tomatoes: Use high-quality, fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky, rich flavor.
• Homemade or Store-Bought Broth: Vegetable or chicken broth will add depth to the soup. Homemade is ideal, but if you’re pressed for time, store-bought will do the trick.
• Pasta (Ditalini or Small Shells): Small pasta shapes are ideal for soaking up the flavorful broth while maintaining a perfect texture. Ditalini is the traditional choice, but you can also use small shells.
• Fresh Thyme and Rosemary: These herbs bring an aromatic earthiness that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
• Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish to each bowl.
• Balsamic Vinegar (Optional): A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a touch of sweetness and acidity, balancing the richness of the broth and beans.

Pro Tip Box: Ingredient Substitutions

• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the Parmesan for a dairy-free option.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety, like rice pasta or quinoa pasta.
• Herb Variations: If you don’t have fresh rosemary or thyme, feel free to use dried herbs or Italian seasoning for a more convenient option.

These simple ingredients come together to make a comforting, satisfying soup that will fill your home with delicious aromas. And while the recipe is packed with flavor, it’s also versatile, so feel free to make adjustments based on your tastes or what you have in your pantry.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to bring the flavors of Ina Garten’s Pasta Fagioli to your kitchen? This recipe comes together easily, and with each step, you’ll see why this soup is so beloved. Follow along with these simple instructions for a perfect bowl of rich, hearty goodness every time.

1. Sauté the Vegetables

Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a large pot or Dutch oven and warm it over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent.

• Pro Tip: Don’t rush this step! Caramelizing the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, which adds depth to the broth.

2. Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, and rosemary. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic releases its aroma.

• Pro Tip: If you’re using dried herbs, add them at the same time as the garlic, but use only half the amount (dried herbs are more concentrated).

3. Deglaze the Pot with Broth

Pour in 4 cups of broth (vegetable or chicken) and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot, this will add extra flavor to the soup.

• Pro Tip: If you prefer a deeper flavor, you can deglaze with white wine before adding the broth.

4. Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Pasta

Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), canned cannellini beans, and the ditalini pasta. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10-12 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and the flavors have melded together.

• Pro Tip: To prevent the pasta from getting too soft, check the pasta around the 10-minute mark. You can always adjust cooking time based on how firm or soft you like it.

5. Puree a Portion for Creaminess

For a silky texture, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup (about 1-2 cups) directly in the pot. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer a portion to a blender and puree until smooth. Then stir it back into the soup.

• Pro Tip: This step helps create a creamy base without using any cream, keeping the soup rich but lighter.

6. Add Balsamic Vinegar and Adjust Seasoning

Stir in a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor balance. Sample the soup and tweak the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste.

• Pro Tip: Add more balsamic vinegar for a tangier, slightly sweeter flavor, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

7. Serve with Parmesan

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

• Pro Tip: Serve with crusty bread or a light green salad on the side for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for the Best Pasta Fagioli

While this recipe is already packed with flavor, these expert tips will help take your Pasta Fagioli to the next level. With a few small adjustments and insider techniques, you’ll be able to make a version that’s restaurant-quality every time.

1. Choose the Right Pasta

The pasta you choose can make a big difference in the final dish. Ditalini is the traditional choice for Pasta Fagioli, but you can also use small shells or cavatelli. These shapes hold up well in soup and absorb the flavors beautifully.

• Pro Tip: Make sure not to overcook the pasta! It should have a slight bite (al dente) so it doesn’t get mushy in the broth.

2. Make the Soup Ahead of Time

Pasta Fagioli is one of those dishes that tastes better the next day! Allow the soup to cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container and storing it in the fridge. The flavors will continue to meld, and the beans will become even more tender.

• Pro Tip: You can also freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave out the pasta if you plan on freezing it, pasta tends to get soggy when reheated. You can add it fresh when you reheat the soup.

3. Add a Parmesan Cheese Rind

For even more flavor, consider adding a Parmesan cheese rind to the pot as the soup simmers. It infuses the broth with a rich, cheesy taste that makes the soup extra savory.

• Pro Tip: Don’t forget to remove the rind before serving, it will have softened and can be easily pulled out.

4. Seasoning is Key

Pasta Fagioli relies on a few simple ingredients, but it’s the seasoning that makes it shine. Be sure to taste the soup as you go and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.

• Pro Tip: A dash of extra virgin olive oil drizzled over the soup just before serving will add a rich, silky finish.

5. Garnish for Extra Flavor

While freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a must, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil will add a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note to balance the richness of the soup.

• Pro Tip: Serve with crispy croutons or a slice of toasted garlic bread for extra texture and flavor.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Ina Garten’s Pasta Fagioli

Ina Garten’s Pasta Fagioli is a timeless recipe that brings the heart and soul of Italian comfort food straight to your kitchen. By following our step-by-step guide, you can recreate this beloved dish at home, even better than the original, with just a few expert tweaks to enhance the flavors, textures, and overall richness.

Whether you’re making this for a family dinner, meal prep, or a cozy night in, this hearty, nutritious soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. The combination of creamy cannellini beans, perfectly cooked pasta, and a savory tomato broth creates a dish that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Perfect for All Occasions – A comforting meal for any time of year.
• Packed with Flavor – Elevate Ina’s original recipe with simple tweaks.
• Simple Ingredients – Easily accessible pantry staples and fresh produce.
• Made to Last – A meal that tastes even better the next day, and freezes beautifully.

So grab your ingredients, get ready to cook, and enjoy this delicious Pasta Fagioli that’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh Parmesan cheese, grab a warm loaf of crusty bread, and serve with a smile!

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