Swiss Chard and Sausage Pasta

This is a hearty meal on a chilly evening.  It's also pretty quick to make perfect for a weeknight dinner. I know I posted about a sausage and escarole meal earlier, this meal was to start as that this evening but then I just kept on adding things to it as I cooked.  And my husband had put a request for Swiss Chard. As it is something he grew up eating.  One thing led to another and this was the outcome.

Pasta:

1 bunch of swiss chard chopped (escarole or spinach will also work)
2 tablespoon of olive oil
1package of Italian sausage casings removed
1 can rinsed cannelli beans
1 red bell pepper
1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon of red pepper flake (optional)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 cloves garlic chopped
1 shallot sliced
1/2 pound bow tie pasta
1/2 cup chicken broth
crusty bread and grate Parmesan cheese (optional to serve with)

In a pan heat olive oil over medium high heat.  Brown sausage breaking into small pieces.  Once sausage is cooked and no longer pink remove from pan using a slotted spoon and allow to drain on paper towel covered dish.

Bring salted pot of water to boil and add pasta, cook until al dente.

Wipe pan out and heat another tablespoon of olive oil.  Cook shallot and garlic for about 1-2 minutes until tender and fragrant.  Add red bell pepper, beans, itailian seasoning, and red pepper flake.  Cook about 2-3 minutes to allow pepper to soften.  Add tomato paste.  Stir around pan.  Add chicken broth.  Add sausage back into pan.  Add swiss chard and allow to wilt in pan.  If more liquid needed add a little of the pasta water in.  Drain pasta and toss in pan.  Serve with grated cheese on top and crusty bread on the side.