Pasta e fagioli literally means “pasta and beans”. Most people tend to associate it with minestrone but there are many variations. It often ends up being the kind of dish where you throw in whatever you have on hand in the kitchen when you make it. One of the main differences between this and minestrone, which I love, is that the beans are mashed up, making it thicker and heartier. Here is the version I grew up eating but feel free to substitute and/or add whatever sounds good to you. I love this dish because it’s quick and easy (and full of beans, which I’m always trying to sneak in…