Friday Fave--White Bean, Sausage and Pasta Soup

Well, I believe our lovely fall weather is leaving us. It will be rainy and cold this next week, and something tells me that our 70+ degree weather from earlier this week will not be returning until next spring.

That can only mean, my friends, that we make ourselves happy with soup. :) I'm prepping to make a pot of our family favorite tonight!

And here's the recipe in case you'd like to warm up with a hearty, kid-friendly pot of soul warming soup!

White Bean and Pasta Soup


1 ½ cups dry great northern beans
¾ lb. bulk sausage
1 med. onion, chopped
1 lg. carrot, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups chicken broth
3 cups water
1 tsp. dried basil
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup uncooked small shell pasta
Grated parmesan cheese

Place beans in a dutch oven or soup kettle; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid.

In the same pan, cook the sausage, onion, carrot and garlic over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the broth, water, basil and beans. Bring to a boil, Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours or until the beans are tender, stirring occasionally. Add the tomatoes and pasta; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until pasta is tender. Serve with parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!