A magnificent pasta and bean soup from Italy. Garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired and serve with garlic bread.
Bravo Ivan! Words are inadequate to describe how much hubby and I enjoyed your pasta e fagioli tonight! I took just a little liberty with the recipe, using fresh minced garlic, tomato sauce from my garden, a "glug" of a good red wine, and fresh parsley. I used the amount of herbs as the recipe directed, even though I thought it might be too much, but it all came together perfectly. Topped this with a little shredded mozarella and served it with garlic bread. This Italian gal cleaned her bowl! As for hubby? The first words out of his mouth (filled with pasta e fagioli) were, "Make this again!" - 08 Dec 2008 (Review from Allrecipes USA and Canada)
I have had this recipe many times. Made the first time I had it, and quite a few times after that by Chez Ivano (Ivan O.Teeter) himself. Ivan was my father-in-law. Unfortunately Ivan passed away just over two years ago. He had many recipe's. This one was among his favorites. Most people who have had it agree it is an excellent Italian soup. We have served Pasta e Fagioli a la Chez Ivano (he really liked that name) numerous times to guests, and they always ask for the recipe before they leave. People will try variations to satisfy there own tastes but the basis of this recipe remains Ivan's. Perhaps one day I will get his recipe book out and share more with you. There is a recipe for S.O.S. that I'm sure most who have been in the military would appreciate. - 20 Jun 2005 (Review from Allrecipes USA and Canada)
YUMMY! This is a wonderfully flavourful soup that fills your house with the scent of a fine Italian restaurant! I have cooked this both the regular way and by slow cooker, and have had great success for both. For slow-cooker fans: scramble-fry ground beef, then add all ingredients to crock-pot except for kidney beans and pasta. Cook for 4-6 hours on high (or 8-10 on low, your preference). Add the kidney beans and pasta during the last 15 minutes of cooking. If you intend to keep/freeze leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it to each soup bowl... this will prevent liquid absorption and smushy pasta. I found that macaroni also works well if you can't find ditalini in your grocery store. I reduced the amount of garlic to 5-6 large cloves, minced (for a 10-serving recipe), and we did not lack for garlic flavour! Thanks so much for a first-class recipe, Ivan! - 08 Oct 2003 (Review from Allrecipes USA and Canada)