Barefoot Contessa’s “16 Bean” Pasta e Fagioli Recipe

Ina Garten’s “16 Bean” Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty and comforting Italian soup that combines a variety of beans, pasta, and savory flavors. This dish is perfect for cozy dinners and is sure to become a family favorite.​Allrecipes+5foodnetwork.com+5Barefoot Contessa+5

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Hearty: The combination of multiple bean varieties and pasta creates a filling and satisfying meal.​
• Flavorful: Ingredients like pancetta, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes add depth and warmth to the soup.​
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup can be prepared in advance and tastes even better the next day.​

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 16 Bean Soup Mix​Ina Garten Cooks+5foodnetwork.com+5Barefoot Contessa+5
• Good olive oil​anorganizedchaos.com+3Barefoot Contessa+3foodnetwork.com+3
• Pancetta, diced​Allrecipes+7sidechef.com+7foodnetwork.com+7
• Large onion, chopped​sidechef.com+2foodnetwork.com+2Barefoot Contessa+2
• Minced garlic​Tasty Shelter+3Ina Garten Cooks+3anorganizedchaos.com+3
• Crushed red pepper flakes​
• Crushed tomatoes​Barefoot Contessa+1foodnetwork.com+1
• Dry red wine​Ina Garten Cooks+4foodnetwork.com+4Tasty Shelter+4
• Good chicken stock​Barefoot Contessa+1foodnetwork.com+1
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper​
• Miniature pasta (such as ditalini or tubettini)​Ina Garten Cooks+4Barefoot Contessa+4foodnetwork.com+4
• Freshly grated Italian Parmesan cheese​Barefoot Contessa+1foodnetwork.com+1
• Good red wine vinegar​anorganizedchaos.com+3foodnetwork.com+3sidechef.com+3
• Fresh basil leaves, julienned​foodnetwork.com+2Tasty Shelter+2sidechef.com+2

Directions

1. Prepare the Beans: The day before making the soup, place the bean mix in a large bowl, cover with cold water by 2 inches, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, drain and rinse the beans. Place them in a large pot with 8 cups of cold water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 1 hour until tender, skimming off any foam.​sidechef.com+2Barefoot Contessa+2foodnetwork.com+2
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a medium stockpot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add pancetta and onion, sautéing until browned (12-18 minutes). Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute.​Barefoot Contessa+1foodnetwork.com+1
3. Build the Soup Base: Add crushed tomatoes, red wine, 4 cups of chicken stock, salt, and pepper to the pot. Turn off the heat.​Barefoot Contessa+1foodnetwork.com+1
4. Combine Beans and Pasta: Drain the beans, adding two-thirds to the soup. Puree the remaining beans and stir into the soup along with the pasta. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20-30 minutes until the pasta is tender. Adjust the consistency with additional chicken stock if needed.​foodnetwork.com+2sidechef.com+2Barefoot Contessa+2
5. Finish and Serve: Stir in Parmesan cheese and red wine vinegar. Ladle into bowls, garnishing with a swirl of olive oil, extra Parmesan, and fresh basil. Serve hot.​foodnetwork.com+1Barefoot Contessa+1

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6​foodnetwork.com
• Preparation Time: 10 hours 10 minutes (including soaking time)​foodnetwork.com
• Active Cooking Time: 4 minutes​EatingWell

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the pancetta and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.​
• Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes for added heat.​Allrecipes+4Ina Garten Cooks+4Simply Recipes+4
• Different Pasta Shapes: Feel free to use other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or orzo.​

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.​
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.​Ina Garten Cooks
• Reheating: Reheat slowly on the stovetop, adding extra chicken stock or water to achieve the desired consistency.​

FAQs

What is 16 Bean Soup Mix?

It’s a blend of 16 different dried beans and legumes, commonly used for making hearty soups.​

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes, but the texture and flavor may differ. Adjust cooking times accordingly.​

Is it necessary to soak the beans overnight?

Soaking helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility.​

Can I make this soup without wine?

Yes, you can substitute the wine with additional chicken stock.​Barefoot Contessa+1foodnetwork.com+1

What can I use instead of pancetta?

Bacon is a suitable alternative, though it may impart a smokier flavor.​

How can I thicken the soup?

Pureeing a portion of the beans, as the recipe suggests, naturally thickens the soup.​

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely. Carrots, celery, or spinach can be great additions.​

What type of Parmesan cheese is best?

Freshly grated Italian Parmesan offers the best flavor.​

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the pasta until just tender and avoid overcooking.​Ina Garten Cooks

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, the flavors often deepen when the soup is made ahead of time.​

Conclusion

Ina Garten’s “16 Bean” Pasta e Fagioli is a flavorful and hearty soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Its rich combination of beans, pasta, and savory ingredients makes it a comforting choice for family meals. Enjoy the process of creating this classic Italian dish and savor the delicious results.​

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