Pasta con fagioli

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1canItalian white beans; drained
½poundsItalian sausage, sweet
1cupOnion; finely chopped
1tablespoonGarlic; minced
cupWine, white
16ouncesItalian tomatoes, peeled*
1Bay leaf
1teaspoonOregano
½teaspoonSage
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½teaspoonRosemary, fresh; chopped
2tablespoonsBasil, fresh; chopped
1teaspoonTomato paste
½teaspoonRed pepper flakes
Salt; to taste
1poundsFusilli
Parmesan
Parsley; chopped

Directions

*Reserve liquid

Peel and crumble sausage. Cook in a deep saucepan until it has changed color. If using a lean sausage, you may need to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Add the onions and garlic and saut‚ until the onions are transparent. Add the wine and let simmer (not quite boiling) for a couple of minutes. Then add the tomatoes, bring to a boil, lower the heat, and add all herbs (except the parsley), tomato paste, pepper flakes, and canned beans, and let simmer while the pasta is cooking.

Cook the pasta al dente, drain, and stir into the bean mixture. Toss in the parsley and stir again. Add the Parmesan very gradually, and stir more. Serve immediately.