Pasta Fagioli Soup With Smoked Sausage

Ingredients

• 2 cups sliced dried smoked sausage (can use more or less)
• 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion (quartered or very coarsley chopped)
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
• 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste, adjust to suit heat level)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 6 cups chicken broth (can use half broth and water)
• 1-2 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder (or use 2 small packages OXO chicken boullion powder)

• 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice

• 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce

• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 (15 ounce) can navy beans, rinsed and drained
• 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (can use more)
• 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 cups uncooked small shell pasta

Directions

1. 1

   In a large pot lightly brown the sausage slices on both sides then remove to a bowl.

2. 2

   In the same pot heat the oil over medium heat; add in onion and saute for about 5-6 minutes or until softened.

3. 3

   Add in the garlic, pepper flakes, basil and oregano; cook stirring for 2 minutes.

4. 4

   Add the sausage back to the pot along with the broth, bouillon powder, diced tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, both cans of beans, Parmesan cheese and 1-2 teaspoons ground black pepper; stir with a wooden spoon and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

5. 5

   Reduce heat to low and simmer covered for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

6. 6

   Season with seasoned salt or white salt.

7. 7

   Meanwhile in another pot cook the small shell pasta until al dente; drain then add to the soup before serving.

8. 8

   Serve with more Parmesan cheese on the side.