Hearty Italian Sausage Pasta e Fagioli
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Hearty Italian Sausage Pasta e Fagioli, a delightful twist on the traditional Italian soup. This recipe brings together flavorful sweet or spicy Italian sausage, tender cannellini beans, and al dente pasta, all simmered in a rich tomato broth infused with fragrant herbs. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this soup pairs beautifully with a warm baguette, offering a satisfying and nourishing meal that will warm both your heart and your home.
4-6 servings
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Onion
1 (Chopped)
Garlic
2 cloves (Finely chopped)
Carrot
1 (Peeled and chopped)
Celery
1 stalk (Chopped)
Italian Sausage
1 lb (Casing removed and crumbled (can use sweet or hot, regular or turkey sausage))
Dry Oregano
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Dry Basil
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Red Pepper Flakes
1-2 teaspoons (To taste)
Canned Chopped Tomatoes
1.5 cups (With juice)
Vegetable or Chicken Stock
3-4 cups (N/A)
Cannellini Beans
1 can (Drained and rinsed)
Ditalini or Small Shell Pasta
1 cup (N/A)
Flat Leaf Parsley
2 tablespoons (Chopped)
Parmesan Cheese
To taste (Grated, for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, until it starts to soften.
3
Stir in the garlic, chopped celery, and carrot, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until vegetables are tender.
4
Add the crumbled sausage to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Sprinkle in the dry oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, tossing to coat the meat and vegetables evenly.
6
Stir in the canned chopped tomatoes along with their juices and the stock, bringing the mixture to a boil.
7
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes to develop flavors.
8
Check consistency; if the soup is too thick, stir in an additional cup of stock or water.
9
Add the drained cannellini beans and your choice of small pasta, then simmer for 6-8 more minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
10
Finally, stir in the chopped parsley just before serving. Offer grated Parmesan cheese on top for a delicious finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Italian Sausage Pasta e Fagioli?
It is a comforting Italian-inspired soup featuring sausage, cannellini beans, and pasta in a rich tomato and herb broth.
What kind of sausage should I use?
You can use sweet or spicy Italian sausage, and even turkey sausage works well in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the sausage or use a plant-based substitute, and ensure you use vegetable stock.
What can I substitute for cannellini beans?
Great Northern beans or navy beans are excellent alternatives for cannellini beans.
Is this soup spicy?
It has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes, which you can adjust or omit to suit your taste.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe yields approximately 4 to 6 servings.
What is the best pasta shape for this soup?
Ditalini or small shells are traditional and work best for catching the broth and beans.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, use a 3 to 1 ratio of fresh to dried herbs for the best flavor profile.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting too soft?
Simmer the pasta for only 6-8 minutes until it is al dente, as it will continue to soften in the hot broth.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
Stir in an additional cup of chicken or vegetable stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
Can I freeze Pasta e Fagioli?
Yes, though it is best to freeze the soup without the pasta, as pasta can become mushy when thawed.
What is a good side dish for this soup?
A warm baguette or garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to this hearty meal.
How long does it take to cook the sausage?
The crumbled sausage usually takes about 5-7 minutes to brown and cook through.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
Yes, peeling the carrots is recommended for the best texture in the soup.
What kind of stock is best?
Both chicken and vegetable stock work beautifully depending on your flavor preference.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you must soak and cook the dried beans separately before adding them to the soup.
When should I add the parsley?
Stir in the fresh chopped parsley just before serving to maintain its bright color and flavor.
Is Parmesan cheese required?
While not required, grated Parmesan cheese adds a delicious salty finish to each bowl.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Zucchini, spinach, or kale are great additions to this versatile soup.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, everything is prepared in a single large heavy pot, making cleanup easy.
How do I reheat the soup?
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a little water if the pasta has absorbed too much liquid.
Do I drain the canned tomatoes?
No, add the canned chopped tomatoes along with their juices for extra flavor and liquid.
What if I don't have ditalini pasta?
Any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or orzo will work just fine.
Can I use turkey sausage to make it healthier?
Yes, turkey sausage is a great lean alternative that still provides excellent flavor.
How do I thicken the soup without adding more ingredients?
You can mash a few of the cannellini beans against the side of the pot to release their starch.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it is very family-friendly, especially if you use sweet sausage and omit the red pepper flakes.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the meat and aromatics first, then slow cook everything except the pasta for 6-8 hours.
What type of onion is best?
A standard yellow or white onion provides the best savory base for this soup.
How long does the whole process take?
From prep to serving, it takes about 50 to 60 minutes.