Italian Sausage Bean and Spinach Soup

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a 8-10-quart pot over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Add in the sausage meat; cook until browned (about 8-10 minutes) remove the meat to a plate or bowl.

Step 3

Add in the onion, carrots, basil and dried chili flakes; saute for about 5-6 minutes adding in the garlic the last couple minutes.

Step 4

Add in chicken broth, tomatoes with juice and drained beans; bring to a boil, cover with lid and cook at medium-low for about 30 minutes.

Step 5

Add in pasta shells; reduce heat and simmer until the pasta is firm-tender (about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Skim any fat that has accumulated on top of the soup, then stir in about 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese and the fresh spinach; cook until the spinach is just wilted (about 1-2 minutes).

Step 7

Season with salt and pepper.

Step 8

Pass more Parmesan cheese at the table.