My last post re-introduced our Guest Foodie column, providing insight into the points of view of almost top foodies — people who made a living in the field. That’s where I wrote on Julie Hartigan, who mentioned trying this Pasta Fagioli recipe: “when you or someone you love needs a comfort food hug in a bowl.”

I had to try it.

In Julie’s free La Dolce Vita at Home booklet on her site, she wrote, “My grandma’s “Pasta Fazool” was my favorite comfort food dish as a little girl! (Fun fact: “Fazool” is Italian slang for “fagioli” or bean.) I give a glow-up version of the rustic Italian stew with the additions of pancetta (Italian bacon) and white wine, but you can skip the meat entirely if you like.”

This takes about 30 minutes.

To Julie, La Dolce Vita is all about embracing joy, living life to the fullest, and appreciating food culture from around the world—every day and in our travels.

Grandma’s Pasta Fagioli

2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil plus more for serving
4 ounces pancetta or bacon diced (optional)
1 large onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
1/3 cup dry white wine
6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Two 15-ounce cans cannellini beans
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup ditalini pasta
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano plus more for serving
Optional garnish: chopped fresh basil

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-low heat. If using, add pancetta and cook until it begins to brown.

Add onion, carrots and salt and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more.

Add wine and cook until it has nearly evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add broth, pepper, beans
and marinara sauce and increase heat to bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5
minutes.

Add pasta and cook until tender according to package directions when ready to serve. Stir in
Parmesan to thicken the broth and serve garnished with additional Parmesan and optional
basil.

Serves 6