Grandma’s Pasta e Fagioli

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

1/2 Cup White Onion, Minced

6 Garlic Cloves, Minced

1 ¼ Cup Celery, Chopped

1 Cup Vegetable Broth – Separated

28 oz. Can Crushed Tomatoes Fire Roasted

28 oz. Can Tomato Puree

5 oz. Can Diced Tomatoes Fire Roasted

2 Teaspoons Dried Oregano

1 Teaspoon Dried Parsley

1 Teaspoon Himalayan Sea Salt

8 Basil Leaves Roughly Chopped

¼ Cup Grated Romano Cheese

2 Cans 15.5 oz. Cannellini Beans

1 Lb. Gluten Free Pasta

12 oz. Organic Pre-Cooked Italian Chicken Sausage Links

Instructions:

In a large pot, add the olive oil and warm to medium heat.

Add the onions and cook for about 5 minutes. Add the celery and cook for another 5 minutes.

Next add in the minced garlic and allow to cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Watch closely so doesn’t scorch. Add ½ cup of the broth to pot and allow vegetables to cook another 5 minutes.

Pour in the cans of crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, and diced tomatoes.

Season with oregano, parsley, sea salt, fresh basil, and Romano cheese. Stir until combined.

Add in the 2 cans of beans. Stir until combined. Allow to simmer.

Remove sausage from packaging and dice into bit size pieces. Place into a medium size sauté pan and cook for about 8 minutes (stirring frequently) until becomes golden.

Drain oil and add sausage to sauce.

Allow to simmer for 25 minutes.

In the meantime cook pasta according to directions. Drain pasta and ladle sauce over pasta.

Garnish with fresh basil and Romano cheese.

Notes:

Ingredient Variations: You can customize the beans by using other types like kidney or pinto beans if desired.

Gluten-Free Option: This recipe uses gluten-free pasta, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Sausage Choices: For a vegetarian version, substitute the Italian chicken sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it altogether.

Tomato Varieties: Using fire-roasted tomatoes adds a smoky flavor; feel free to use regular canned tomatoes if preferred.

Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil can be added at the end for a vibrant flavor. Consider also adding fresh parsley for garnish.

Cooking Time: Simmering the sauce for at least 25 minutes helps develop deeper flavors; longer simmering is fine too.

Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The pasta may absorb some sauce, so you can add a splash of broth when reheating.

Freezing: The sauce freezes well, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh before serving to maintain texture.

Spice It Up: For heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with turkey, pork, or a plant-based sausage for a different flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free pasta, the recipe remains gluten-free.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken sausage and use vegetable broth instead of any meat-based options.

You can also skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative.

How long does the sauce need to simmer?

The sauce should simmer for about 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

What can I substitute for cannellini beans?

You can use other white beans like great northern or navy beans if cannellini beans are unavailable.

How do I store leftover pasta?

Store the pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat as needed.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes.

Just be sure to blanch and peel them before adding to the recipe for the best texture.

What type of cheese can I use instead of Romano?

Grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese can be used as alternatives to Romano cheese.

Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.