Pasta e Fagioli

I got this terrific pasta and bean soup from an Italian friend of mine. It's the real thing, and is it ever good and hearty! Sure, there are lots of other family favorite ways to make it?but this is one easy version we love to "throw" together.

Serves: 4

Cooking Time: 35 min

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive or vegetable oil
• 4 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
• 1 (14-1/2 ounce) can whole tomatoes, broken up
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 pound ditalini pasta
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat; add the garlic and saute until golden. Allow to cool slightly to prevent splattering, then add the tomatoes, oregano, pepper, salt and garlic powder.
    
2. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
    
3. Add the cannellini and parsley and continue cooking for 10 minutes more, stirring frequently.
    
4. Meanwhile, in a medium-sized pot of boiling salted water, cook the ditalini until just barely tender; drain and add to the cannellini mixture.
    
5. Add the Parmesan cheese, mix thoroughly, and serve.