Pasta Fazool (Pasta e Fagioli)

This pasta fazool recipe is Chef John's version of the classic Italian comfort food dish made with sweet Italian sausage, white beans, and pasta.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 888 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 12 ounces sweet bulk Italian sausage
• 3 cups chicken broth, or more as needed, divided
• 3 cups chopped Swiss chard
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini (white kidney) beans, drained
• 0.25 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.25 cup tomato paste
• 0.5 yellow onion, chopped
• 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 0.75 cup dry elbow macaroni
• 0.25 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus additional for serving, or to t

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir sausage in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Add diced celery and chopped onion. Cook until onions are translucent, 4 to 5 minutes. Add dry pasta; cook and stir for 2 minutes.

Step 2

Stir in tomato paste until evenly distributed, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in 3 cups broth; increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Stir in red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to medium and let simmer, stirring often, for about 5 minutes. Add more broth if needed.

Step 3

Place chopped chard in a bowl. Cover with cold water and rinse leaves; any grit will fall to the bottom of the bowl. Transfer chard to a colander to drain briefly; add to soup. Cook and stir until leaves wilt, 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in white beans; continue cooking and stirring until pasta is tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in grated cheese. Serve topped with additional grated cheese.