Pasta E Fagioli By Giada De Laurentiis Recipes

PASTA E FAGIOLI (BY GIADA DE LAURENTIIS)

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter in a heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, bacon, and garlic and saute until the onion is tender, about 3 minutes.
• Add the broth, beans, and herbs (thyme, bay leaves, rosemary) . Cover and bring to a boil over high heat, then decrease the heat to medium and simmer until the vegetables are very tender, about 10 minutes.
• Puree 1 cup of the bean mixture in a blender until smooth*. Before putting the puree back into the soup, add the macaroni and boil with the lid on until it is tender but still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. You can also add sausage or ham at this time as well.
• Return the puree to the remaining soup in the saucepan and stir well. Season the soup with ground black pepper and red pepper flakes.
• Ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle with some Parmesan and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil just before serving.
• *When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.

PASTA E FAGIOLI

Steps:

• In a large heavy pot, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Stir in onion and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in garlic, celery, and carrots and cook for 3 minutes. Add dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes and toss to coat. Stir in tomatoes and stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. If necessary add an additional cup of stock or water and stir in beans and tiny pasta. Simmer for 6-8 minutes or until pasta is tender. Stir in parsley and serve hot with grated Parmesan and ground black pepper.

PASTA AND BEANS: PASTA E FAGIOLI

Steps:

• Heat a deep pot over medium high heat and add oil and pancetta. Brown the pancetta bits lightly, and add herb stems, bay leaf, chopped vegetables, and garlic. Season vegetables with salt and pepper. Add beans, tomato sauce, water, and stock to pot and raise heat to high. Bring soup to a rapid boil and add pasta. Reduce heat to medium and cook soup, stirring occasionally, 6 to 8 minutes or until pasta is cooked al dente. Rosemary and thyme leaves will separate from stems as soup cooks. Remove herb stems and bay leaf from soup and place pot on table on a trivet. Let soup rest and begin to cool for a few minutes. Ladle soup into bowls and top with lots of grated cheese. Pass crusty bread for bowl mopping.

FUSILLI WITH CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI RABE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Season the water generously with salt. Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate, about 6 minutes. Add the broccoli rabe to the water with the pasta and cook for an additional minute. Drain well reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and heat an additional minute. To the hot oil add the garlic, shallot, 1/2 teaspoon salt and red pepper flakes, if using. Cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon for 2 minutes or until soft and fragrant. Add the chicken and toss well to coat in all the flavors. Cook, stirring often until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add the pasta to the pan along with the Parmigiano-Reggiano. Toss well to combine adding the pasta water as needed to create a light sauce. Serve with additional cheese if desired.