My Family's Classic Pasta Fagioli

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini or elbow macaroni)
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)