PENNE WITH WHITE BEANS AND SMOKED PORK

Penne with White Beans and Smoked Pork image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Kosher salt
6 ounces mezze penne (about 1 1/2 cups)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
8 fresh sage leaves
1 onion, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
Freshly ground pepper
1 smoked pork chop (about 8 ounces), meat chopped
1 15-ounce can white beans, not drained
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs for al dente. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sage and cook until the garlic is light golden and the sage is wilted, about 2 minutes. Add the onion, celery and carrot and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until almost tender, about 6 minutes. Add the pork, beans with their liquid and the chicken broth; bring to a boil. Reduce to a gentle simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
Add the pasta and 1/2 cup cooking water to the bean mixture. Stir to combine, adding more cooking water as needed to thin the broth. Season with salt and stir in the parsley. Divide among bowls, drizzle with olive oil and season with pepper.