Pasta Fagioli Soup With Smoked Sausage

• 2 cups sliced dried smoked sausage (can use more or less)
• 3 -4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion (quartered or very coarsley chopped)
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
• 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste, adjust to suit heat level)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 6 cups chicken broth (can use half broth and water)
• 1 -2 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder (or use 2 small packages OXO chicken boullion powder)
• 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can navy beans, rinsed and drained
• 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (can use more)
• 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 cups uncooked small shell pasta

1. In a large pot lightly brown the sausage slices on both sides then remove to a bowl.
2. In the same pot heat the oil over medium heat; add in onion and saute for about 5-6 minutes or until softened.
3. Add in the garlic, pepper flakes, basil and oregano; cook stirring for 2 minutes.
4. Add the sausage back to the pot along with the broth, bouillon powder, diced tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, both cans of beans, Parmesan cheese and 1-2 teaspoons ground black pepper; stir with a wooden spoon and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer covered for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
6. Season with seasoned salt or white salt.
7. Meanwhile in another pot cook the small shell pasta until al dente; drain then add to the soup before serving.
8. Serve with more Parmesan cheese on the side.

sausage, onion, fresh garlic, red pepper, basil, oregano, chicken broth, chicken bouillon powder, tomatoes, tomato sauce, cannellini beans, navy beans, parmesan cheese, fresh ground black pepper, shell pasta

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/pasta-fagioli-soup-with-smoked-sausage-254881 (may not work)