PASTA AND WHITE BEAN SOUP WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

Pasta and White Bean Soup With Sun-Dried Tomatoes image

The Christmas season often means indulging in lots of rich foods. So I like to prepare this vegetarian soup that's hot and hearty but not heavy.-Mary Swartz, Palm Desert, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 1h35m

Yield 6 servings (2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1 cup dried great northern beans
2 cups finely chopped onions
2 medium carrots, chopped
1/2 cup sliced fennel bulb or celery
1/4 cup olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 bay leaves
4 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups uncooked bow tie pasta
1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
Shredded Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

Rinse and sort beans; soak according to package directions. Drain and rinse beans; discard liquid and set beans aside., In a Dutch oven, saute onions, carrots and fennel in oil until tender. Add garlic, pepper flakes and bay leaves; cook 1 minute. Add broth and beans., Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until beans are almost tender, about 1 hour. Stir in pasta, tomatoes, parsley and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 15 minutes or until beans and pasta are tender. Discard bay leaves. Serve with cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 325 calories, Fat 12g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 6mg cholesterol, Sodium 1433mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 9g fiber), Protein 12g protein.