Pasta e Fagioli

My husband, Bob, has become "close" to vegetarian for health reasons.  He can still have small amounts of chicken, turkey and fish, but other meats are verboten.  This recipe is completely vegetarian, delicious and very fast and easy to make.

Pasta e Fagioli

3 T. olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 small potato, diced
1 stalk celery, finely diced
1 small carrot, finely diced
2 tomatoes, diced
5 cups vegetable broth
1/4 t. fresh thyme, chopped
1 can small white beans, drained & rinsed
1 can red beans, drained & rinsed
8 oz mini ziti pasta, (roughly 2 cups)
salt & pepper to taste
shaved Parmesan cheese for topping

Heat olive oil in large sauce pan (I use a Dutch oven). Add onion, garlic, potato, celery and carrot. Cook on medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook an additional 3 minutes.
Add broth, beans, pasta, thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to med-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the pasta and potatoes are cooked.

Ladle into bowls and serve with Parmesan sprinkled on top.

Serves 6 - 8.

What's cookin' at your house?,