pasta_fagioli.md

Quick Pasta e Fagioli

(serves 4 — can easily double) Preparation time: 25 minutes!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 slices of bacon, diced
• 1 stalk celery chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 (19-ounce) can cannellini beans with liquid
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes with liquid
• 1/2 cup ditalini (very short tube-shaped macaroni)
• 1/4 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese

Preparation

1. Cook bacon in a large saucepan over medium heat. Remove bacon and drain fat from pan (but don't clean it). Add oil, celery, onion and garlic; cook 5 minutes or until golden,stirring frequently.

2. Stir in pepper, crumbled bacon and everything else except: 1/2 the beans, tomatoes,cheese and pasta Bring to a boil.

3. Reduce heat, add tomatoes and simmer 10 minutes.

4. Puree until smooth with an immersion blender

5. Add pasta and the rest of the beans, and cook 7 minutes or until done.

6. Turn off heat, mix in 1/3 cup parmesean cheese.

7. Sprinkle each serving with 1 tablespoon more cheese.