Pasta Fazool (Pasta e Fagioli)

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown sausage while breaking it into small pieces about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Add diced celery and chopped onion. Cook until onions are translucent 4 to 5 minutes. Add dry pasta. Cook and stir 2 minutes.

Stir in tomato paste until evenly distributed 2 to 3 minutes. Add 3 cups broth. Raise heat to high and bring to a simmer. Add salt black pepper pepper flakes and oregano. When soup comes to a boil reduce heat to medium and let it simmer about 5 minutes stirring often. Check soup consistency and add more broth if needed.

Place chopped chard in a bowl. Cover with cold water and rinse the leaves; any grit will fall to the bottom of the bowl. Transfer chard to colander to drain briefly; add to soup. Cook and stir until leaves wilt 2 to 3 minutes.

Stir in white beans; continue cooking and stirring until pasta is perfectly cooked another 4 or 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in grated cheese. Serve topped with grated cheese if desired.