What could possibly make an already perfect first course better? Just another touch of your personal flair and a small piece of advice from us: pasta e fagioli with bacon. After a long day, this warm and inviting winter comfort food will be the perfect way to refresh yourself, with an even more irresistible flavor. Delicious crispy bacon cubes sautéed and added to this fabulous dish full of memories. Maybe as kids, we didn’t all appreciate it, but as adults, with this recipe, it will be redemption! Let’s make pasta, beans, and bacon!
Preparation
How to prepare Pasta e Fagioli with Bacon
To prepare pasta e fagioli with bacon, the first thing you need to do is soak the beans in plenty of cold water. Leave them at room temperature overnight. The next day, drain them, transfer them to a pot, and cover them with water. Cook over medium heat, and once it starts boiling, it will take about an hour. Taste the beans to check if they are cooked.
At this point, in a large non-stick pan, add the bacon and let it sauté until well browned. Once it’s browned, add the garlic and the drained beans.
If you want, you can add a ladle of water, then the tomato sauce, a pinch of salt, and pepper.
Let it simmer for a few minutes, then remove the garlic cloves. Take a ladle of beans, transfer it to a tall container, and blend with an immersion blender, adding a splash of water if needed, until you obtain a creamy texture. Pour it back into the beans and add the mixed pasta.
Add hot water to cover the pasta and continue cooking for the time indicated on the pasta package, making sure to stir occasionally and add more water if necessary to keep it from drying out. Adjust the salt, add some pepper, and drizzle with a little raw olive oil. Plate and serve.
Storage
You can store pasta e fagioli with bacon in the refrigerator for a maximum of 1-2 days.
Tip
If you prefer to shorten the preparation time, you can use pre-cooked beans. Simply add them to the recipe without soaking.