Grandma's Pasta Fagiole

This is comfort food at it’s best, and it’s really quite simple to prepare. A loaf of crispy Italian bread to go with it, and life is good.

Ingredients

  • 1 (15.5 oz) can Goya small white beans, undrained

  • 1/2 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce

  • 3 large cloves of fresh garlic , chopped

  • 1 tbsp . chopped fresh , Italian flat-leaf parsley

  • 1/2 cup (+/-) olive oil

  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped celery

  • 1 cup (+/-) light & fat free chicken broth

  • 1/2 lb . tubettini pasta

Directions

  • Saute garlic, parsley and celery in olive oil, on low flame, until celery is lightly translucent.

  • Add undrained beans, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Simmer on low for about an hour. In a separate pot, boil 1/2 lb. tubettini pasta for approx. 6 minutes (note, the pasta will be firm and undercooked). Drain pasta completely and add to bean mixture. Add additional chicken broth, as necessary, to keep soup from getting too thick.

  • Continue to simmer on low until pasta is cooked to taste. Although I like it “as is”, go ahead and sprinkle on a teaspoon or two of parmesan cheese!