Pasta Fagioli

Name: Pasta Fagioli
Yield: serves: 4 to 6
Ingredients: Extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 pound pancetta, cut into 1/4-inch dice; 1 onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice; Kosher salt; Pinch of crushed red pepper; 2 cloves garlic, smashed and finely chopped; 1 28-ounce can San Marzano tomatoes, passed through a food mill; 2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 2 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 pound ditalini pasta; Freshly grated Parmigiano; Big fat finishing oil; Chopped chives for garnish

December 9, 2011

I love beans—any time, any way. And while my preference is to cook my own beans (see page 55), I’m the first to admit that sometimes a can of beans is a lifesaver. For this recipe in particular I have no problems using canned beans, and you shouldn’t either. Having a few cans in the pantry means whipping up this dish is easy—it’s one of my very favorite things to make when I want something super comforting to slurp up and stick to my belly while sitting around watching TV on a Sunday afternoon.

Recipe notes

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.