How to make Italian Pasta and Beans Soup

The Italian Pasta and Beans Soup or pasta e fagioli. Two different beans provide fiber and substance to this popular pasta and bean soup.

Total Time: 45 minutes

Serving: serves 12

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• 6 each thick sliced bacon, diced
• 2 cups onion, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 2 each garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cans Great Northern white beans, drained
• 2 cans (15 oz.) low sodium chicken broth
• 1 can (15 1/2 oz.) kidney beans
• 1 can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 each bay leaf
• 2 tsps dried oregano leaves, crushed

METHOD:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water to cool quickly; drain well.
2. Meanwhile, in 5-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crisp. Add onion, celery and garlic; cook 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. In a large bowl, mash 1 can of Great Northern Beans. Add chicken broth, remaining beans, cooked pasta, tomatoes with juice, bay leaf and oregano.
4. Add bean mixture to saucepan; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes.
5. Discard bay leaf before serving.
6. Enjoy your soup!

BUON MANGIATI!