Hearty Sausage and Bean Pasta Fagioli
This Hearty Sausage and Bean Pasta Fagioli is a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table, especially during the chilly fall and winter months. Inspired by my ex-boyfriend's mom, this recipe combines savory Italian sausage with tender cannellini beans, rich tomato sauce, and aromatic herbs, creating a filling and satisfying meal your family will love. The thick, flavorful broth is perfect for spooning over cooked pasta shells, and whether served fresh or as leftovers, you can expect it to be equally delicious. Best of all, this dish freezes exceptionally well, making it a great option for busy weeknights when you need a wholesome, homemade meal in a pinch. Pair it with a crusty baguette or garlic bread for a complete dining experience that will warm your heart and soul.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
garlic cloves
4 (chopped)
large onion
1 (chopped)
sweet sausage
2 (16 ounce) packages (squeeze the meat out of the skins)
cannellini beans
2 (15 ounce) cans (with liquid)
tomato sauce
2 (29 ounce) cans (none)
water
2 (29 ounce) cans (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
basil
1/4 cup (none)
medium pasta shells
1 (16 ounce) box (or any small pasta of your liking)
Parmesan cheese
to taste (optional; grated)
crushed red pepper flakes
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2
Add the sweet sausage to the skillet, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned all over, about 8-10 minutes. Once fully cooked, transfer the sausage mixture to a large pot.
3
In the same pot, add the two cans of tomato sauce, cannellini beans (with their liquid), water, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4
Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If you prefer a thicker consistency, continue to simmer for an additional 1-2 hours, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
5
While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6
Once the sauce is ready, ladle it over the cooked pasta shells in individual bowls or combine them in the pot. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, if desired.
7
Serve hot with your favorite bread, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Sausage and Bean Pasta Fagioli?
It is a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish that combines savory Italian sausage, tender cannellini beans, rich tomato sauce, and aromatic herbs.
How much olive oil is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of olive oil.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
You should use 4 chopped garlic cloves.
What type of onion is needed?
The recipe requires 1 large onion, chopped.
How much sweet sausage is used?
You will need 2 (16 ounce) packages of sweet sausage.
How do I prepare the sausage?
You should squeeze the meat out of the skins before cooking.
Should I drain the cannellini beans?
No, you should use 2 (15 ounce) cans of cannellini beans with their liquid.
How much tomato sauce is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 (29 ounce) cans of tomato sauce.
How much water should I add to the pot?
You should add 2 (29 ounce) cans of water, using the empty tomato sauce cans as a measurement.
What kind of pasta is best for this dish?
Medium pasta shells are recommended, but any small pasta of your liking will work.
How much pasta is needed?
One 16 ounce box of pasta is used.
How much basil is added to the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of basil.
What seasonings are added to the sauce?
Salt and pepper are added to taste.
Is Parmesan cheese included in the ingredients?
Yes, grated Parmesan cheese is optional and can be added to taste as a topping.
How do I add heat to this pasta fagioli?
You can add crushed red pepper flakes to taste for a spicy kick.
How long do I sauté the garlic and onion?
Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they are fragrant and translucent.
How long does the sausage take to brown?
The sausage should be cooked until browned all over, which takes about 8-10 minutes.
What is the first step for the sauce after combining ingredients?
Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil before reducing the heat.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes, but can go up to 2 hours for a thicker consistency.
How do I make the broth thicker?
Continue to simmer the sauce for an additional 1-2 hours.
How should the pasta be cooked?
Cook the pasta shells separately according to the package instructions until al dente.
Should I mix the pasta into the sauce pot?
You can either ladle the sauce over pasta in individual bowls or combine them both in the pot once the sauce is ready.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, this dish freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
What should I serve with this meal?
It pairs perfectly with a crusty baguette or garlic bread.
Is this a good recipe for winter?
Yes, it is designed to bring warmth and comfort during chilly fall and winter months.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the creator's ex-boyfriend's mom.
Can I use different types of beans?
The recipe specifically calls for cannellini beans, but other small white beans could be substituted if necessary.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is a thick, flavorful broth.
Are the leftovers good?
Yes, you can expect the leftovers to be equally delicious as the fresh serving.