Recipe for pasta fazool made with chicken – A Savory Twist on a Classic Dish

When it comes to Italian comfort food, Pasta Fazool tops the list for its hearty flavors and nostalgic significance. Traditionally made with pasta, beans, and a rich tomato base, the dish has graced tables across Italy and beyond for centuries, particularly in the country’s northern regions. Today, we’re introducing you to a delicious variation—What makes a recipe for pasta fazool made with chicken?”—that adds an extra layer of nutrition and flavor to this beloved recipe. Whether you’re exploring the northern pasta traditions or looking for a new twist on a classic, this dish is the perfect addition to your kitchen repertoire.

Roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and let’s create a soul-warming Chicken Pasta Fazool that rivals the best on any fazoli menu!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to whip up this comforting dish. Feel free to make customizations based on your tastes or what’s available in your kitchen.

Primary Ingredients:

• Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces. You can also substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option.
• Cannellini Beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed. These creamy white beans are a staple in Pasta Fazool.
• Pasta: 1 cup of ditalini pasta or any small pasta variety. Northern pasta recipes often use short pasta to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
• Tomatoes: 1 can (14 oz) of crushed tomatoes to create a rich, hearty base.
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups for a flavorful liquid base to tie all the ingredients together.
• Onion: 1 medium onion, finely diced for that sweet, aromatic base.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced for an earthy punch.
• Carrots and Celery: 1 carrot and 1 celery stalk, diced for added texture and flavor.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons to sauté your veggies and chicken.

Seasonings:

• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon for a classic herbaceous mix.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a hint of heat.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Adjust as you layer the flavors.

Optional Add-Ons:

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated, for serving.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: For garnish.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up every bit of that delicious broth.

Preparation – A Step-by-Step Guide

Before the cooking begins, good preparation sets the foundation for success.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

• Start by dicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel for better browning later.
• Dice your veggies (onion, carrot, celery, and garlic) into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
• Rinse the canned cannellini beans thoroughly to remove excess starch.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

• Boil water in a large pot and cook your ditalini pasta until al dente (slightly firm). Follow the package instructions for the best results, usually around 8 minutes.
• Drain and set aside.

Cooking Instructions – The Heart of the Dish

Now it’s time to bring all those vibrant flavors together.

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook them until golden brown on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Base

• Add the remaining olive oil to the same pot and sauté the diced onion, carrot, and celery until softened (about 4-5 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Create the Broth

• Add the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth to the pot, stirring well to combine.
• Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and adjust the salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Combine Everything

• Return the cooked chicken to the pot, along with the rinsed cannellini beans. Cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• Finally, stir in the cooked pasta and simmer for 2-3 minutes to warm through.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

• Test for seasoning once again, adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed. If the broth is too thick, you can add a little water or chicken broth to thin it out.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Your Chicken Pasta Fazool is ready to serve! Here’s how to elevate your presentation and pairings:

• Garnish It Right: Sprinkle each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
• Serve with Sides: A slice of crusty Italian bread or a hunk of garlic bread complements the dish perfectly.
• Pair It Up: A medium-bodied white wine (like Pinot Grigio) or a sparkling water infused with citrus enhances the meal’s flavors.

What makes a recipe for pasta fazool made with chicken?

This Chicken Pasta Fazool recipe is not only packed with flavor but also loaded with nutritional benefits:

• Lean Protein: The chicken adds a nutritious twist, making the dish more filling and balanced.
• Classic, With a Modern Touch: While honoring its Italian roots, this variation caters to contemporary palates looking for something hearty but not overly heavy.
• Perfect Anytime Meal: Whether it’s a rainy evening or a family weekend dinner, this dish warms hearts and homes.

Plus, it’s an easy way to bring northern pasta traditions to your table, making it feel like you’re dining at a rustic Italian trattoria. It’s not just a dish—it’s an experience.

A Personal Touch

The inspiration for this recipe comes from a family tradition. Growing up, hearty meals like this were staples in our household, especially during cooler months. Adding chicken came as a delightful twist when my grandmother once forgot to soak her beans overnight; she decided the dish needed something more. That “happy accident” soon became a family favorite!

Your Turn to Cook!

Now that you’ve got everything you need to make this hearty, flavorful Chicken Pasta Fazool, it’s time to get cooking! The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance of simplicity and depth—it’s easy enough for weeknights yet special enough to share with loved ones.

When you make this recipe, we’d love to see it! Snap a photo and share it on social media with the hashtag #MyPastaFazool and tag us. If you have your own twist on this dish, drop it in the comments below—we can’t wait to hear from you!

Happy cooking, and buon appetito!