1poundof Italian sausageItailian-style turkey sausage or ground beef
1 28ozcan of whole peeled tomatoes
1quartof low-sodium chicken broth
1cupof water
1/2teaspoonof kosher salt and several turns of freshly ground pepper
1 15ozcan of cannellini beansdrained and rinsed
1 16ozcan of dark red kidney beansdrained and rinsed
8ouncesof uncooked ditalinismall macaroni pasta
2cupsof fresh baby spinachchopped
freshly grated parmesan for topping
Instructions
In a large skillet, saute onions, garlic and crushed red pepper in olive oil over medium heat, just until onions start to soften.
Add sausage to skillet and brown, breaking up as it cooks.
Transfer skillet contents to 6 quart slow cooker.
Add canned tomatoes, breaking them up by hand or with kitchen shears before they go into the slow cooker.
Add chicken broth, water, salt and pepper.
Cook on high 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours.
30 minutes before serving, add beans and uncooked pasta.
Continue cooking until pasta is tender.
Once pasta is tender, stir in fresh spinach and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
You can use Sweet Italian Sausage, Hot Italian Sausage, Turkey Sausage (casings removed if using links), ground beef or ground turkey in this recipe depending on your preference.