Sausage Pasta Fagioli

5 from 10 votes

Sausage pasta fagioli combines penne pasta, crumbled sausage, butter beans, and cannellini beans simmered in a tomato-based sauce and topped with grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

Prep Time5

Cook Time40

Total Time45

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Italian

Servings:

Author: James Delmage and Tara

Ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil divided
1 pound bulk Italian sausage
5 cloves garlic sliced
1 medium onion diced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 16 ounce can cannellini beans drained, but don't rinse
2 16 ounce cans lima (butter beans) drained, but don't rinse
6 cups water to start but add more as needed
3 canned plum tomatoes hand crushed, note: just 3 plum tomatoes from 1 can - that's it!
8 ounces penne or any pasta you like
1 Parmigiano rind optional
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large heavy pot saute the sausage in two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until browned (about 5 minutes) and cooked through.
Next, add in the remaining olive oil and the onions and saute for 5 minutes then add in the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes more until just golden. Finally, add the hot red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds.
Next, add 6 cups of water and the plum tomatoes. Add in the drained beans and the Parmigiano Reggiano rind and bring to a boil for 3 minutes.
Lower the heat to medium and crush some of the beans by smashing them against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon.
Add in the pasta and cook until al dente. Keep an eye on the pot and stir very frequently to avoid sticking. The pasta will absorb much of the liquid so add more water as needed. The final consistency is 100% a personal preference. If you like it soupier, add more water!
Once the pasta is al dente turn off the heat and taste test. Adjust salt and pepper, and hot red pepper to taste.
When satisfied with the taste, serve in bowls with crusty bread. Offer grated cheese, hot red pepper flakes, or black pepper on the side and drizzle some high-quality extra virgin olive onto each bowl. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Pasta shapes such as ziti and cavatappi are a good size to match the larger beans in this dish.
If you are cooking a large amount for 1 person and desire leftovers, be sure to cook the pasta separately. Otherwise, it's better to cook the pasta in the sauce to better absorb the flavors.
Leftovers can be saved for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave.

Nutrition