Bean and Pasta Soup with Sausage

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==Description==
This delicious bean soup cooks quickly and can be packed in a thermos and taken to a football game or fall tailgate picnic. You can also serve it for a quick lunch or dinner entrée. 
* Contributed by Healthy Recipes for Diabetic Friends Y-Group
* From: www.cinnamonhearts.com
* Source: The Diabetes Snack Munch Nibble Nosh Book, 2nd Edition, 2003 by Ruth Glick.
* Makes 6 servings
==Ingredients==
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1 large celery stalk, minced
* 1 garlic clove, minced
* 2 tsp olive oil
* 3 cups fat-free, low-sodium or regular chicken broth, divided
* 1 (15oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and well drained
* 1 (8oz) can low-sodium or regular tomato sauce
* 1 tsp Italian seasoning
* 2 to 3 drops hot pepper sauce (optional)
* 3 oz reduced-fat beef sausage
* 1 oz angel hair pasta broken into 2-inch pieces (about ½ cup)
* salt to taste (optional)
==Directions==
# In a small Dutch oven or similar pot, combine the onion, celery, garlic, oil, and ¼ cup broth. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 6 to 7 minutes or until the onion is tender.
# Add the remaining broth, cannellini beans, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and hot pepper sauce, if using. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes.
# Bring the soup to a boil. Stir in sausage and pasta.
# Reduce the heat and cook at a low boil 4 or 5 minutes, until the pasta is tender. Add salt to taste, if desired
== Nutritional information ==
Sodium Alert! This recipe is not suitable for those on salt-restricted meal plans. (Note: optional items, such as the salt in this recipe, are not included in nutritional analysis). 
Per (¾ cup) serving: 
* 147 Calories | 2g Total Fat | 6 mg Cholesterol | 573 mg Sodium | 9g Protein | 23g Carbs | 4g Dietary Fiber | 9g Protein
* Exchanges: 1 Starch | 1 Vegetable | 1 Very Lean Meat
Category:Beef Recipes
Category:Cannellini bean Recipes
Category:Capellini Recipes
Category:Healthy Recipes for Diabetic Friends
Category:Sausage Recipes
Category:Bean Soup Recipes
Category:Onion Recipes
Category:Celery Recipes
Category:Tomato sauce Recipes