Pasta Fagioli Soup With Smoked Sausage - cooking recipe

Ingredients

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

Preparation

In a large pot lightly brown the sausage slices on both sides then remove to a bowl.
In the same pot heat the oil over medium heat; add in onion and saute for about 5-6 minutes or until softened.
Add in the garlic, pepper flakes, basil and oregano; cook stirring for 2 minutes.
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.
Reduce heat to low and simmer covered for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Season with seasoned salt or white salt.
Meanwhile in another pot cook the small shell pasta until al dente; drain then add to the soup before serving.
Serve with more Parmesan cheese on the side.