Pasta Fagioli with Sausage is a cozy dish that combines pasta, beans, and savory sausage in a flavorful broth. It’s filling, hearty, and perfect for any day of the week!
Making this dish always brings a smile to my face. The smell of sausage sizzling is the best! I love to serve it with a sprinkle of cheese on top—it makes it even better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This brings a delicious depth to the dish. You can choose mild or spicy based on your preference. For a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage works great too!
Beans: Cannellini beans are my favorite for their creamy texture, but pinto beans are a tasty alternative. Chickpeas could also be used for a different twist.
Pasta: I recommend ditalini for its fun bite-sized shape, but elbow macaroni or any small pasta works perfectly. Gluten-free pasta is a good substitute if needed!
Chicken Broth: Using homemade broth takes the flavor up a notch. If you prefer vegetarian, vegetable broth is a good swap that won’t compromise on taste.
Greens: Spinach or kale both add great nutrition! If you have swiss chard or collard greens, feel free to use those instead.
How Do I Perfectly Cook the Sausage?
Cooking sausage can be tricky, but it’s essential for great flavor. Here’s how to do it well:
- Start with a medium heat to allow even cooking.
- Break the sausage into smaller pieces with your spoon. This ensures that it browns well.
- Cook until there’s no pink inside and it’s nicely browned, around 5-7 minutes.
- Don’t rush it—cooking at the right heat and for the right time develops a wonderful flavor!
After cooking, remember to leave the drippings in the pot. They add great flavor to the vegetables that come next!
How to Make Pasta Fagioli With Sausage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pasta Fagioli takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. So in just about 40 minutes, you can enjoy a warm and hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the Italian sausage. Use a spoon to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot but leave the flavorful drippings!
2. Add the Vegetables:
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook these veggies over medium heat until they soften up, which will take around 5 minutes. You’ll love how the kitchen starts smelling good!
3. Flavor with Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and let it cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. This adds an amazing flavor to the dish!
4. Build the Soup Base:
Now it’s time to stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), the cooked sausage, the rinsed beans, chicken broth, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Bring everything to a boil! Your kitchen will smell fantastic!
5. Let It Simmer:
Reduce the heat so the soup simmers gently. Let it cook uncovered for about 15 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend together beautifully.
6. Cook the Pasta:
Add the small pasta to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
7. Add the Greens:
Once the pasta is ready, stir in the chopped spinach or kale. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted and vibrant.
8. Season to Taste:
Before serving, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. A little sprinkle of salt goes a long way!
9. Serve It Up:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If you like, add some chopped parsley for a pop of color. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
10. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve hot with crusty bread on the side. Enjoy every spoonful of this hearty delight!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is traditional, you can use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Even spicy sausage adds a nice kick!
What If I Don’t Have Canned Beans?
No worries! You can use dried beans if you have them; just be sure to soak and cook them beforehand. Alternatively, white kidney beans work well too!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra beans or use more vegetables to keep it hearty and satisfying!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.
