Pasta Soup with White Beans and Sausage

I realized this past week that my family has been on a huge sausage kick lately. I glanced through several recipes I've posted over the past month and there is sausage in almost everything. My cousin, Helene, gave me this recipe a year or two ago and that was the first time I can remember buying hot Italian sausage. I loved it from the very first taste. This soup is loaded with Italian flavor and full of beans, pasta and sausage. Helene's family calls this Pizza Soup, because the house smells fantastic while it is simmering.

This is the easiest soup in the world. The sausage and tomatoes provide most of the flavor and you need to add no spices at all. This is my go-to, "I'm in the mood for soup, but have nothing planned ahead of time" meal. It could also be called, "I need to have dinner on the table in half an hour." We all enjoy this and it is often on our menu. 

Pasta Soup with White Beans and Sausage - aka Pizza Soup 

1 lb hot Italian sausage

1 stalk celery, sliced thinly

14 oz can garlic stewed tomatoes

2 quarts or 8 cups beef broth

2 cups cooked white beans, or 1 can small white beans, drained

2/3 cup small shell pasta, I buy the tiny shells, they swell to at least triple their size when cooked

In a large pot, cook and crumble the sausage over medium heat. Drain completely and then add all remaining ingredients except the pasta. Bring to a boil and then add the pasta shells. Once it is boiling again, reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Enjoy!

Click here for printable recipe