Polish Italian Pasta Soup (No Beans)

Ingredients

• 1 lb kielbasa or mild Italian sausage
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, minced

• 5 (15 ounce) cans chicken broth
• 1 cup small shell pasta, uncooked (ditalini, small shells, etc)

• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions

1. 1

   If using kielbasa, slice into 1/4 inch rounds; if using sausage, remove casings.

2. 2

   In a large dutch oven, cook and stir sausages over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until done.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, boil water for pasta; cook pasta and drain.

4. 4

   Remove sausage with a slotted spoon; reserve drippings in pot.

5. 5

   Cook celery, onion and garlic in the same pot for about 5 minutes or until tender.

6. 6

   Drain off excess fat from pan.

7. 7

   Add chicken broth, herbs and red pepper to pot; bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.

8. 8

   Add undrained tomatoes and sausage; heat through.

9. 9

   Ladle soup into bowls, add pasta to bowl of soup.