Pasta Fagioli Soup With Smoked Sausage

If possible make this soup a day ahead and refrigerate, the flavor will intensify --- kielbasa or any dried smoked sausage will work good for this soup and any kind of beans may be used successfully, spinach is a great addition also --- serve with more Parmesan cheese on the side a large crusty loaf of bread --- you will *love* this soup! :)

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 6-8

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. In a large pot lightly brown the sausage slices on both sides then remove to a bowl.
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. Add in the garlic, pepper flakes, basil and oregano; cook stirring for 2 minutes.
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. Reduce heat to low and simmer covered for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
6. Season with seasoned salt or white salt.
7. Meanwhile in another pot cook the small shell pasta until al dente; drain then add to the soup before serving.
8. Serve with more Parmesan cheese on the side.