A hearty and comforting Italian soup made with pasta, beans, vegetables, and a savory broth.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried small white beans, such as cannellini or navy beans
- 1 pound dried ditalini pasta
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
- Prep the beans: Soak the dried beans overnight in cold water. Drain and rinse before using.
- Sauté vegetables: In a large pot, brown the sausage over medium heat. Remove the sausage and set aside. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until softened.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add pasta and beans: Add the pasta and beans to the simmering soup. Cook until the pasta is al dente and the beans are tender.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the cooked sausage and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy your hearty and satisfying Pasta Fagioli!