Description
This comforting Italian Pasta Fagioli is a soul-warming bowl of goodness, bridging the gap between a hearty soup and a pasta dish. Featuring savory chicken-based Italian sausage, creamy cannellini beans, and fresh vegetables simmered in a rich, herb-infused broth, this simple yet deeply flavorful recipe is perfect for busy family weeknights. It is a nutritious, balanced meal that satisfies everyone from picky eaters to hungry adults, and it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded together.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound mild chicken or turkey Italian sausage
1 cup chopped onion
2 stalks celery, finely diced
1 cup carrots, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1 1/2 cups water
2 teaspoons chicken base or 2 bouillon cubes
1 tablespoon dried basil
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup ditalini or small pasta
2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken or turkey sausage to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles.
Stir in the onion, celery, and carrots; cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken stock, water, chicken base, and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Add the ditalini pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
Stir in the cannellini beans and the fresh greens. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.
Notes
Add more water or stock if the soup becomes too thick upon standing, as the pasta will continue to absorb liquid.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For a chunkier texture, use a fork to slightly mash a few of the beans before adding them to the pot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg