Italian Pasta Beans

Italian Pasta Beans is one of those comforting, old-school dishes that proves simple ingredients can create incredible flavor. My husband grew up eating this meal made by his Italian mom, and there was always a big pot on the stove meant to feed everyone. It’s similar to pasta fagioli you may already know, but this version keeps things very simple with tomato paste, beans, and pasta simmered together into a thick, hearty bowl of comfort.

This is not a quick recipe, but it is very easy to make. The long simmer builds deep flavor while the beans and pasta make it filling and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or saving portions for later.

Why You Will Love This Pasta Beans Recipe

• Traditional Italian Comfort Food: A simple pasta beans recipe inspired by classic Italian home cooking and family traditions.
• Made With Pantry Ingredients: Tomato paste, beans, pasta, and broth come together to create a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Feeds a Crowd: This big pot recipe makes plenty, and is perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
• Budget Friendly: Simple ingredients create a filling meal, without spending much money.
• Freezer Friendly: This Italian pasta beans recipe freezes very well, making it great for future meals.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Great Northern Beans: Cannellini beans or navy beans are great substitutes. Both have a similar creamy texture that works well in pasta beans.
• Goya Ham Base: If you don’t have Goya ham base, you can substitute with Better Than Bouillon ham base, or use chicken base, vegetable base, or even a ham hock simmered in the broth for added flavor.
• Ditalini Pasta: Any small pasta shape works well here. Try small shells, elbow macaroni, or tubetti.
• Tomato Paste: Tomato paste gives this dish its deep tomato flavor. In a pinch, you could substitute a small can of crushed tomatoes, though the broth will be slightly thinner.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best, but Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can also be used for finishing.

How to Prepare Italian Pasta Beans

1. Heat the oil in a very deep pot over medium heat.
2. Add the tomato paste and the two cans of water. Whisk well until the tomato paste is fully incorporated.
3. Pour in the 16 cups of water. Add the great northern beans along with the liquid from the cans and the ham base packets. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture almost to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and allow it to gently simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally as the broth slowly reduces and develops flavor.
5. When the sauce has simmered down and thickened, cook the pasta in a separate pot, according to the package directions, until al dente.
6. Transfer the cooked pasta directly into the pot with the beans and sauce. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
7. Serve hot and finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

How to Serve and Store

• Serve this Italian pasta beans in large bowls topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
• Pair with crusty bread on the side for soaking up the rich tomato broth.
• This rustic Italian dish thickens as it sits, which many people actually prefer the next day.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To reheat, warm gently on the stove and add a splash of water or broth, if needed, to loosen the sauce.
• This recipe freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Italian Pasta Beans? Italian Pasta Beans is a simple, traditional dish made with beans, tomato base, broth, and small pasta. It is similar to pasta and bean soups found in many Italian kitchens and is often considered classic comfort food.
• Can I cook the pasta directly in the soup? You can, but cooking it separately helps prevent the pasta from absorbing too much liquid and becoming overly soft, especially if you plan to store leftovers.
• Why simmer the mixture for so long? The long simmer allows the tomato paste, beans, and broth to develop deeper flavor and creates the thicker, comforting texture that makes this dish so satisfying.
• Can this recipe be made vegetarian? Yes. Simply substitute vegetable base or vegetable broth for the ham base.
• Can I freeze Italian Pasta Beans? Yes. This dish freezes extremely well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Why save the pasta water? Pasta water contains starch that helps loosen the sauce while keeping it creamy rather than watery.

Print

GET TO KNOW ME!

WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!

Our life has changed dramatically in the past few years with the passing of our two goldendoodles, Vegas and Viva. We were lucky enough to have Vegas for five years (totally wish it was longer). Most recently, losing our Viva to a brain tumor in July of 2020. We welcomed our mini goldendoodle 7, almost seven years ago. We just added the amazing Hazel! Of course, I am always posting tons and tons of photos! Be sure to check out my recipe for Pet Bone Broth! This broth is super rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a multitude of health benefits!

In addition, I’m so very excited to announce I have published my first e-book and paperback, “Mastering Thanksgiving – A Guide to Perfecting Your Thanksgiving Dinner.” Your support would mean the world to me.

Let’s Get Social!

Be sure to follow me on social media! I’m always talking food, fashion, and family! I also love sharing some of my favorite Amazon Finds too. Click here to check out my Amazon page! Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, Pinterest and YouTube! Check out my LTK to find out what I’m wearing! THANK YOU!