Swiss Chard, Sausage, Pasta, and Bean Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 bunch Swiss chard, stemmed and chopped
• 2 cups cooked small pasta, such as orecchiette
• 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the sausage and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the Swiss chard and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
6. Stir in the cooked pasta and white beans and cook for 1 minute.
7. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese and bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10 minutes.
9. Serve hot.

Interesting Facts

• Swiss chard is a leafy green vegetable that is related to beets and spinach.
• The leaves of Swiss chard are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as iron.
• Italian sausage is a type of pork sausage that is flavored with garlic, fennel, and other spices.
• White beans are a type of legume that is high in fiber and protein.
• Parmesan cheese is a type of hard cheese that is often used as a topping for Italian dishes.