Jumpy's Pasta Fagioli

My nieces and nephews call my dad "Jumpy" in lieu of "Grampy" and this is Jumpy's Pasta Fagioli.  It is one of my favorite comfort foods because 1. it's delicious and 2. it reminds me of my dad :)  

3/4 of a box of ditalini pasta

4 cups of low sodium chicken broth/stock

3 cans of cannelini or northern white beans

1 can of low sodium diced tomatoes

1 medium sweet onion, diced

4 cloves of garlic, crushed

1 boneless pork chop, diced into little cubes

basil, fresh if available

pepper

olive oil

In a large pot simmer the pork in a few tablespoons of olive oil until slightly browned (over medium heat). Add onion. Cover and simmer for 5 more minutes onions are tender. Add basil and garlic and cook for another minute.

Add the tomatoes (with juice) and chicken broth and bring to boil.

Add the box of ditalini, reduce heat to medium, and stir frequently until cooked.

Reduce heat, add beans, cover and simmer for 20 minutes, adding pepper to taste.

Serve with hard bread like french bread.

Mamma Mia!  Enjoy!