Pasta Fagioli with Sausage is a hearty and comforting dish. It features pasta, beans, and flavorful sausage in a warm, rich broth that’s perfect for any day.
This meal is like a warm hug in a bowl! I love how the sausage adds a savory kick, making it even more tasty. Serve it with some crusty bread for the ultimate cozy dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: The sausage gives this dish a wonderful depth of flavor. I like to mix mild and spicy for a nice kick. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey sausage works well too!
Cannellini Beans: These creamy white beans are a classic in pasta fagioli. If you can’t find them, kidney beans or navy beans are good substitutes. They’ll still deliver that lovely texture.
Pasta: Small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni are perfect. You can also use whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist, or even gluten-free pasta if that’s your preference!
Broth: Chicken broth adds flavor, but vegetable broth is ideal for a vegetarian version. You can also make your own broth at home, which makes the dish even more special.
Greens: Use fresh spinach or kale to add nutrients and color. Swiss chard or mustard greens are great alternatives if you want to mix it up.
How Can I Make Sure The Sausage is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the sausage properly is key for great flavor. Start by heating the olive oil in your pot over medium heat. When it’s hot, add the sausage and break it up with a spoon.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink.
- Make sure to remove it from the pan, so it doesn’t get overcooked while you prepare the veggies.
- This step brings out the best flavor in your sausage and adds a great base for your soup.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Pasta in This Dish?
Adding the pasta at the right time is essential to get it cooked perfectly. After simmering the broth for about 15 minutes, add your pasta. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a small pasta shape so it cooks quickly and melds well with the soup.
- Look at the package and cook until al dente, which usually takes around 7-10 minutes.
- Stir occasionally and keep an eye on it to prevent mushiness. Remember, it will continue cooking a bit in the broth off the heat.
How to Make Pasta Fagioli With Sausage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pasta Fagioli takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 30 minutes to cook. So, in just about 45 minutes, you’ll have a warm and hearty meal ready to enjoy. Perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, using your spoon to break it up as it cooks. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. Once done, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these for about 5 minutes until they are softened and fragrant. This will build a wonderful flavor base for your soup!
3. Add Garlic:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Next, add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), the rinsed cannellini beans, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes. Bring this lovely mixture to a boil.
5. Let It Simmer:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully.
6. Cook the Pasta:
Add your small pasta to the soup and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7-10 minutes until it’s al dente. Make sure to stir occasionally!
7. Add Greens:
In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped spinach or kale until it wilts down and becomes nice and tender.
8. Season and Serve:
Finally, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
9. Enjoy a Warm Bowl:
For added goodness, serve with some crusty bread on the side for dipping! This dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends, or just enjoying on your own.
Now you have a delightful Italian soup that is rich in flavor and heartwarming in every bite. Enjoy!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great substitute for Italian sausage. You may want to add some extra herbs or spices to mimic the flavor of sausage, like fennel seeds or Italian seasoning.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add mushrooms or more vegetables to enhance the flavor and texture.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to restore creaminess.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes! This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove for best results.