This classic Italian-American comfort food works with any kind of sausage, but I like the fennel and anise flavors of sweet Italian sausage with the beans--it's a hearty soup that's fast and easy to put together.
Preparation Time
10 mins
Cooking Time
25 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Calories
888 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown sausage while breaking it into small pieces, 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 2 minutes.
Step 2
Stir in tomato paste until evenly distributed, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 3 cups broth. Raise heat to high and bring to a simmer. Add salt, black pepper, pepper flakes, and oregano. When soup comes to a boil, reduce heat to medium and let it simmer about 5 minutes, stirring often. Check soup consistency and add more broth, if needed.
Step 3
Place chopped chard in a bowl. Cover with cold water and rinse the leaves; any grit will fall to the bottom of the bowl. Transfer chard to 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 perfectly cooked, another 4 or 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in grated cheese. Serve topped with grated cheese, if desired.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 stalk celery, diced
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
½ yellow onion, chopped
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ cup tomato paste
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
12 ounces sweet bulk Italian sausage
¾ cup dry elbow macaroni
3 cups chicken broth, or more as needed, divided
3 cups chopped Swiss chard
1 (15 ounce) can cannellini (white kidney) beans, drained
