Description
A hearty Italian classic of pasta, beans, vegetables, and herbs, perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound hot Italian sausage, casings removed (or lean ground beef/turkey)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
- 1 (15 oz) can fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices
- 1/2 cup water
- Parmesan rind (optional)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 5 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 3/4 cup uncooked ditalini pasta (or small pasta)
- 1/4 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley and/or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Add sausage and onion, cook for 4 minutes until browned.
- Add carrots and celery; sauté 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and crushed red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute.
- Drain excess grease. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, water, Parmesan rind, basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, cannellini beans, kidney beans, and pasta. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 8 minutes, stirring frequently until pasta is al dente.
- Remove Parmesan rind and bay leaf. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
Avoid overcooking pasta to prevent mushiness. For a lighter version, use turkey sausage. Parmesan rind adds a rich umami depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: pasta fagioli, soup, Italian, beans, sausage, comfort food