Pasta e Fagioli
Source: CindyMac
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup finely chopped carrots
3-4 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
about 2 cups canned tomatoes, broken up with a spoon (or 2 cups fresh diced)
3-4 cups chicken broth or water
1 can red kidney beans, rinsed & drained (or cannellini beans)
1 – 1 1/2 cups ditali pasta or small shells (that's approximate ... I usually use about 3 handfuls)
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste (optional)
coarse salt & fresh ground pepper
2-3 tablespoons fresh basil, chiffonade
fresh grated parmesan
Cindy's note - sometimes I throw in a few handfuls of baby spinach for the last few minutes of cooking time
In large saucepan sauté onion, celery, and carrots in olive oil till soft, about 8 minutes. Add garlic for 30 seconds, then add tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a slow boil, add beans, pasta, red pepper flakes, and salt & pepper to taste. Cook until pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Add fresh basil just before removing from heat.
SERVE with freshly grated Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano.