Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 cup (4 ounces) small elbow macaroni
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 1/4 pound pancetta, (country bacon) cut into 3 pieces
- 6 medium garlic cloves, each cut in 1/2 lengthwise
- 2 cups finely chopped yellow onions (2 small onions)
- 1 cup small-diced celery (2 medium stalks)
- 1 cup small-diced carrots (2 to 3 medium carrots)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped rosemary or thyme leaves
- 1 (14-ounce) can cannelloni beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups small-diced zucchini (green/yellow) (5 small zucchini)
- 2 cups small-diced, peeled russet potatoes (1 large russet)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and transfer the pasta to a baking sheet. Toss the macaroni with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, warm the chicken stock.
- In another large saucepan over high heat, heat 1/4-cup oil. When the oil is hot but not smoking, add the pancetta and cook until it begins to brown, 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally. Add the garlic and cook until it begins to brown, about 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Lower the heat to medium and add the onions, celery, and carrots.
- Cook until the vegetables are soft, 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent browning. Add the chopped herbs. Raise the heat to high. Add the beans, tomatoes, zucchini, and potatoes. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Then bring it down to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, 12 to 15 minutes, skimming any foam off the top of the soup.
- Season generously, with pepper. Add salt, to taste. Just a few minutes before serving, add the cooked macaroni. Serve warm with Parmesan and olive oil passed at the table.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes