Pasta E Fagioli (Italian soup) with Italian Sausage

Description: A delicious version of this popular Italian soup. Adding the sausage (regular or turkey) makes it a satisfying meal if served with a nice warm baguette.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled & chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1 lb sweet Italian sausage links or 1 lb hot Italian sausage, casing removed and crumbled (can use turkey sausage)
• 2 teaspoons dry oregano
• 1 tablespoon dry basil
• 1 -2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups canned chopped tomatoes with juice
• 3 -4 cups vegetable stock or 3 -4 cups chicken stock
• 1 can progresso cannellini beans
• 1 cup ditalini or 1 cup small shell pasta
• 2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley
• parmesan cheese

Steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium high heat.
2. Cook onion in oil 2 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic, celery and carrots and cook for 3 minutes.
4. Add and brown crumbled sausage.
5. Add basil, oregano and red pepper.
6. Toss to coat.
7. Stir in tomatoes and stock.
8. Bring to a boil.
9. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes.
10. If necessary, add an additional cup of stock or water and stir in beans and tiny pasta.
11. Simmer for 6- 8 minutes or until pasta is tender.
12. Stir in parsley and serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese.