Ingredients
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cans (15.5 ounces each) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
1 large sprig sage
1 piece (2 ounces) Pecorino Romano, plus more, grated, for serving
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 ounces ditalini or other short, tubular pasta (1 cup)
4 cups shredded chicory, escarole, or kale
Red-pepper flakes, for serving
Preparation
Heat a large pot over medium-high. Add oil and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until garlic is golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in tomato paste; cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add beans and wine; simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid has thickened and wine has almost evaporated, about 4 minutes. Add 8 cups water, sage, and cheese; season with salt and black pepper. Simmer, partially covered, over medium-low 25 minutes.
Bring soup to a boil, stir in pasta, and cook until al dente according to package instructions, stirring occasionally. Add chicory; cook, stirring, just until wilted, about 1 minute. Serve, topped with grated cheese and red-pepper flakes.
