Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy with this mouthwatering Easy Pasta Fagioli with Sausage! This isn't just another soup recipe - it's a hearty, soul-warming dish that promises to become your new comfort food obsession. Imagine a steaming bowl packed with savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and creamy kidney beans, all simmered together in a rich, aromatic broth that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're craving a quick weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests with an authentic Italian classic, this recipe is about to become your kitchen's secret weapon!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of Italian sausage, 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 cup of ditalini pasta, 1 can of kidney beans (drained and rinsed), 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. Sauté the sausage until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sausage is cooked, add the diced onion to the pot. Sauté the onion with the sausage for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and stir to combine with the sausage and onion mixture.
- Add the 4 cups of vegetable broth to the pot, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, add the ditalini pasta to the pot. Stir well and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, open the can of kidney beans, drain them, and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- When the pasta is almost done, add the drained and rinsed kidney beans to the pot along with the Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and let simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the beans through.
- Season the pasta fagioli with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to taste the dish before adding salt, as the sausage and broth may already provide sufficient seasoning.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the pot from the heat. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
- Serve the Easy Pasta Fagioli with Sausage hot, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian meal!
Tips
- Choose high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor - look for fresh, well-seasoned links from your local butcher or specialty store.
- Don't rush the sausage browning process. Taking time to develop those deep, caramelized flavors will elevate the entire dish.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the ditalini pasta with gluten-free pasta or rice.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer a few extra minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
- Fresh herbs make a huge difference - if possible, garnish with fresh parsley or basil just before serving.
- This recipe freezes beautifully. Make a double batch and store portions for quick future meals.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of red wine when sautéing the sausage and onions.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end. The salt content can vary depending on your broth and sausage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
