Dubbed 'Hearty Italian Hug,' this soup warms our souls and is requested by my husband every weekend.

Pasta e fagioli, or 'pasta and beans,' is a classic Italian soup that's as comforting as a warm hug on a chilly Midwest evening. Growing up, my grandmother would make a big pot of this hearty soup whenever the leaves started to turn, and it quickly became a family favorite. It's the perfect dish for those busy weekdays when you want something nourishing and easy to prepare. With the help of a slow cooker, you can set it up in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.

This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty loaf of Italian bread or a simple side salad. You might also consider serving it with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of good olive oil on top. For a bit of extra warmth, a glass of red wine or a cup of herbal tea makes a lovely accompaniment.

Servings: 6

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup ditalini pasta
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

1. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and brown the ground beef or sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

2. Transfer the cooked meat to the slow cooker.

3. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the slow cooker.

4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, great northern beans, and broth.

5. Season with oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper.

6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

7. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the ditalini pasta and cook until tender.

8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition. If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a gluten-free option, substitute the ditalini pasta with a gluten-free pasta of your choice.