Sausage Soup

This is a delicious soup to make on a chilly day.  Serve it with cheesy garlic bread for a complete meal.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb. Italian sausage, casings removed (I used all-natural pork sausage)
• 2 onions chopped fine
• 4 celery ribs, chopped fine
• 2 (14.5-oz.) cans diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, and garlic
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 1/2 cups water
• 4 oz. elbow macaroni
• 2 (15-oz.) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Heat oil in large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until just smoking.  Cook sausage, breaking up large pieces with wooden spoon, until it is well browned, about 5 minutes; transfer to bowl.  Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat left in pot, add onions and celery and cook over medium heat until softened and lightly browned, 7 to 10 minutes.

Stir in browned sausage, tomatoes, broth and water and bring to boil.  Add pasta and cook, stirring often, until al dente.  Stir in beans and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.  Stir in parsley, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve with grated Parmesan cheese.

Serves 8 to 10.

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