Spicy Pasta And Bean Soup

Ingredients

• 8 oz smoked sausage sliced 14-inch thick
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 1 stalk celery finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot peeled and shredded
• 2 cloves garlic peeled and crushed
• 18 tsp red chilies crushed
• 2 c canned tomatoes crushed including liquid
• 2 12 c cooked or canned white beans drained
• 6 c chicken broth
• 34 c small macaroni or pasta shapes

Directions

1. In large saucepan saute sausage onion celery carrot garlic and red chilies about 10 minutes or until vegetables are softened
2. Stir in tomatoes
3. Cook and stir occasionally 10 minutes longer
4. Add beans and broth bring to slow boil
5. Add macaroni and cook 15 minutes or until tender but still firm Serve immediately with Parmesan cheese if desired
6. Makes 8 servings