Time for soup!

As the weather has turned, I have changed my lunches to more soup and sandwiches versus tortillia pizzas, etc. So when I saw on Skinnytaste a recipe for Pasta and Bean Soup, AKA Pasta Fagioli, I had to add it to the list to try. Anyone who goes to Olive Garden and has tried their Pasta Fagioli soup, knows how great it is. And OG's version is actually a great choice, if you do it without cheese!
For a large cup: 130 Calories 2.5 Fat  9 Protein 17 Carb 6 Fiber
Well this recipe was a great knock off and can be done vegetarian style, unlike OG's! Gina has out done herself once again.

From www.skinnytaste.com

 Pasta Fagioli (Pasta and Beans)
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 5 large bowls • Serving Size: about 2 cups • Old Points: 5 pts • Points+: 6 pts
Calories: 254.5 • Fat: 3.4 g • Protein: 10.3 g • Carb: 47.5 g • Fiber: 6.8 g

• 1 tbs olive oil
• 1/2 onion
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
  
• 1 15 oz can cannellini beans
• 15 oz can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  
• 1 large bay leaf
• 1 tbsp basil
• 1 tbsp parsley
• 1 tsp oregano
• 2 (14 oz each) cans fat free chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarians)
• 2 cups water
  
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1-1/2 cups (6 oz) dry Ditalini pasta or other small pasta
• Grated Parmigiano or Romano (optional)

In a deep pot, saute onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat.

Blend the can of beans with one can water in electric blender until almost smooth.

Add blended beans to pan then add the can of tomato sauce, celery, carrots, chicken broth, basil, bay leaf, parsley, oregano, salt and pepper. Add 1 cup water and bring to slow boil. Let simmer for 20 minutes stirring occasionally. Add pasta and cook uncovered until pasta is al dente, according to pasta directions.

Ladle soup into bowls and top with grated cheese (extra pts).

*+*+My Notes*+*+

+You can use either Red or white kidney beans, or mix it up and do both, just adjust your nutirtion and liquids.
*I think you could add some hamburger (extra lean), which would raise calories/points.
+Try using 1 each of beef and chicken broth.
*Beans and pasta will soak up the liquid, so if you are having leftovers, plan to have extra broth handy, unless you like a more stew style soup. Both are delish though!
+Freezes well! I made a double batch and froze half in Ziploc bags.

Enjoy, I sure did, and so did Chandler! Score!!!