2 Tbls. olive oil
1 lb. sweet Italian pork sausage or 1 pkg. Jennie-O sweet Italian turkey sausage, casings removed
1 c. carrots, thinly sliced or diced (optional)
1 small onion, diced or chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 c. (6 oz.) dry ditalini pasta
48 oz. chicken broth
28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 t. dried Italian herb seasoning
1/4 t. onion salt
1/4 t. black pepper
2 cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (see note below)
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Crumble sausage into large fry pan and add carrots and onions; cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink and carrots are tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain any fat.
Cook pasta according to package directions.
In a large soup pot, add chicken broth, crushed tomatoes and seasonings.
Add sausage and simmer about 20 minutes.
Add cooked pasta and beans; continue to cook an additional 10 minutes.
Serve with Parmesan cheese.