Pasta E Fagioli Bake

Pasta E Fagioli Bake


1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large saucepot, cook pasta in boiling salted water as label directs. Drain well, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water. Return pasta to saucepot; set reserved cooking water aside.

2. Meanwhile, in a 4-quart saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until browned, stirring occasionally. With slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain.

3. Pour off all but 1 teaspoon bacon fat from saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add onion and 2 teaspoons of olive oil, and cook 5 minutes or until onion is tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, and cook 1 minute, stirring. Stir in beans, tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, pepper, and cooked bacon, breaking up tomatoes with side of spoon; heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. To pasta in saucepot, add the bean mixture, 1/4 cup Romano cheese, and reserved pasta cooking water; toss well. Transfer mixture to a 3-quart casserole.

5. In a small bowl, toss bread crumbs with parsley, remaining tablespoon of olive oil, remaining minced garlic, and remaining 2 tablespoons of Romano cheese until evenly coated. Sprinkle crumb mixture over the pasta. Bake pasta 15 to 20 minutes, uncovered, until hot and bubbly and top is golden.

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Nutrition

Ingredients