Soulful Jamie Oliver Pasta Fagioli Recipe: Homemade Joy

Pasta fagioli emerges as a soul-soothing Italian treasure that transforms humble ingredients into culinary magic.

This rustic marvel weaves a tapestry of flavors that whispers stories of generations past.

Tender beans and perfectly cooked pasta create a dance of textures that elevate comfort food to an art form.

Simmering with aromatic herbs and robust vegetables, the dish captures the essence of home-style cooking.

Each spoonful carries the warmth of traditional Italian kitchens, promising a deeply satisfying experience.

Seasonal ingredients mingle and merge, crafting a symphony of taste that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need for Jamie Oliver Pasta Fagioli

• Ground Beef: Select lean cuts for less fat and better texture, ensuring a rich, meaty foundation for the soup.
• Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin for deeper flavor and healthier cooking base.

• Celery Stalks, Carrots, Onion: Pick fresh, crisp vegetables with vibrant colors and firm texture for maximum nutrition and taste.
• Garlic Cloves: Opt for firm, plump cloves without green sprouts for the most robust flavor profile.

• Chicken Broth: Select low-sodium versions to control salt levels and enhance natural soup flavors.
• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Look for brands with minimal additives and rich, ripe tomato essence.
• Water: Use filtered water for clean, pure taste.
• Sugar: A small amount balances tomato acidity and rounds out flavor complexity.
• Dried Basil, Dried Oregano, Dried Thyme, Dried Marjoram: Choose recently packaged herbs for maximum aromatic potency.

• Kidney Beans, Great Northern Beans: Select well-sealed cans with no dents, rinse thoroughly to reduce sodium.
• Ditalini Pasta: Pick high-quality durum wheat pasta for best texture and cooking performance.

• Fresh Parsley: Select bright green, crisp leaves without wilting for vibrant color and fresh taste.
• Parmesan or Romano Cheese: Choose freshly grated for most authentic, rich flavor enhancement.

Pasta Fagioli Equipment from Jamie Oliver

• Large Pot: Perfect for sautéing beef and building soup layers.
• Cutting Board: Essential for chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and herb chopping.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Colander: Used for draining and rinsing beans and pasta.
• Pasta Pot: Boils ditalini pasta to al dente perfection.
• Plate: Temporarily holds browned beef while preparing vegetables.
• Can Opener: Opens bean and tomato sauce cans with ease.
• Ladle: Helps serve hot soup smoothly.
• Cheese Grater: For freshly grating Parmesan or Romano cheese.

How Jamie Oliver Prepares Pasta Fagioli

• Brown the Beef

Heat a large pot and sizzle ground beef until perfectly golden and crumbly. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and clean.

• Awaken the Vegetables

Toss chopped onions, carrots, and celery into the same pot. Let them dance and soften, releasing their rich, hearty aromas. Add garlic and let it whisper its delicate flavor into the mix.

• Build Robust Flavors

Sprinkle in aromatic herbs that will transform your soup into a comforting masterpiece. Pour chicken broth, tomato sauce, and water to create a vibrant liquid base. Season with herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to elevate the taste profile.

• Create Soup Magic

Allow the mixture to simmer gently, letting vegetables become tender and ingredients meld together. This slow cooking process develops deep, complex flavors that will make taste buds sing.

• Blend and Finish

Introduce kidney and Great Northern beans into the simmering pot. Fold in cooked ditalini pasta, creating a hearty and satisfying texture. If the soup seems thick, splash in extra broth to reach your desired consistency.

• Serve with Flair

Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Ladle into warm bowls and enjoy a soul-warming meal that speaks comfort and love.

Tips for Jamie Oliver Pasta Fagioli

• Swap different beans like cannellini or black beans for unique flavor profiles and added nutrition. Experiment with bean varieties to keep the dish exciting.
• Add diced ham, cooked bacon bits, or shredded chicken to increase protein content and create a heartier meal. Protein-packed additions transform this soup into a more substantial dinner option.
• Introduce heat with red pepper flakes, cayenne powder, or diced jalapeños for those who enjoy a spicy kick. Control the spice level by adjusting the amount of hot ingredients to suit personal preferences.
• Prepare the soup in advance and store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Freeze portions for convenient future meals, ensuring a quick and delicious dinner is always ready. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to maintain perfect consistency.

Serving Jamie Oliver Pasta Fagioli

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Slice up a warm, crispy baguette or rustic Italian bread to soak up the delicious soup broth and add a satisfying crunch to each bite.
• Create a Hearty Meal: Serve alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, meaty flavors of the soup and add some fresh nutrients.
• Top with Cheese Lovers' Delight: Offer extra grated Parmesan or Romano cheese at the table, allowing everyone to sprinkle as much as they want for an extra burst of savory goodness.
• Warm Up with Side Accompaniments: Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or additional parsley to enhance the soup's depth and provide a cooling contrast.

Keep Jamie Oliver Pasta Fagioli Fresh

• Preserve Soup's Freshness: Store leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, maintaining its robust flavors and hearty texture.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Pack cooled soup in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months for quick, delicious weeknight dinners.
• Revive Refrigerated Soup: Gently reheat on stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency and prevent dryness. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Smart Pasta Tip: Keep pasta separate from soup when storing to prevent soggy noodles. Add fresh pasta when reheating for the best texture and taste experience.

Hearty Jamie Oliver Pasta Fagioli Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Jamie Oliver’s pasta fagioli combines hearty Italian comfort with rustic charm. Home cooks can savor this classic peasant dish that delivers rich flavors and warmth in each spoonful, offering you a delicious connection to traditional Italian cuisine.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion
• 1 cup diced carrots (about 2 medium)
• 1 cup diced celery (about 3 stalks)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (1 tbsp)
• 3 tbsps minced fresh parsley
• 2 tbsps olive oil, divided
• 3 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup water, then more as desired
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tsps granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsps dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ¾ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried marjoram
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup dry ditalini pasta
• Finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese, for serving

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in olive oil over medium-high heat until fully cooked, ensuring no pink remains. Remove beef from pot, reserving cooking vessel.
2. Vegetable Foundation: Sauté diced celery, carrots, and onions in olive oil for 5-6 minutes until translucent. Quickly incorporate minced garlic, stirring to prevent scorching.
3. Flavor Layering: Return browned beef to pot, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, water, canned tomatoes, sugar, and herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and marjoram.
4. Simmering Process: Reduce heat, cover, and allow soup to simmer for 18-22 minutes, developing rich, complex flavors and tenderizing vegetables.
5. Pasta Integration: Simultaneously cook ditalani pasta until al dente in a separate pot. Drain pasta and fold into simmering soup along with kidney and great northern beans.
6. Final Touches: Warm soup for an additional 1-2 minutes, adjusting liquid consistency if necessary. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve steaming hot, topped with grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.

Notes

• Meat Browning Technique: Completely break down ground beef to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor development.
• Vegetable Sauté Secret: Cook vegetables until translucent to release natural sweetness and create a robust flavor base for the soup.
• Herb Infusion Tip: Dried herbs should be added early in cooking to allow deeper flavor penetration and aromatic development.
• Pasta Timing Trick: Cook pasta separately to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect al dente texture when added to the final soup.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg