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5 from 1 vote

Easy Pasta Fagioli (Pasta & Bean Soup)

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 6 -8

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Italian Sausage casing removed
  • 1/2 pound pasta shells or whatever pasta you prefer
  • 1 white onion chopped
  • 3-4 celery ribs chopped
  • 3 carrots roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon garlic crushed
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fennel
  • 1 teaspoon dried or 4 leaves of fresh basil
  • kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 2 cups fresh or canned cannellini beans
  • 2 cups of fresh or canned tomatoes for fresh, blanch and peel before chopping
  • 32 ounces chicken broth preferrably homemade, but canned works
  • 1/4 cup wine whatever you have on hand
  • Optional: 2 cups fresh baby greens like spinach my favorite part
  • Parmigiano cheese grated (for garnish)
  • Optional: crushed red pepper freshly chopped parsley

Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; toss with a little butter to make sure that the pasta doesn’t stick together; set aside.
  • In heavy bottom pot, lightly brown sausage in a couple tablespoons of olive oil. Remove sausage (but leave remaining bits); set aside.
  • In remaining oil, saute onion, celery and carrots with a little salt for 4-5 minutes; add garlic and saute for another minute. Return sausage to the pan.
  • Turn heat to medium high and add the tomatoes, making sure to scrape the bottom of pan to combine all the flavors. Add the wine and simmer for another few minutes.
  • Add the chicken stock, beans, cooked sausage to the pot and bring to a heavy simmer.
  • Add a little water or more chicken broth if it looks too thick. It should be a little soupy since pasta will be added later.
  • Once you have all the ingredients in the pot, let lightly simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Optional: In last couple minutes of cooking at baby greens and stir to incorporate.
  • When ready, serve in individual bowls. First put about a handful of pasta shells at the bottom of an empty soup bowl. Ladle out some of the meat and vegetables from the soup and then ladle some of the broth over the top. Garnish with cheese, crushed red pepper.
  • Note: To make a little healthier use whole grain pasta.