Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup Proper Italian Comfort Food

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 4 ounces pancetta, diced (115g)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
• 2 medium carrots, diced (approx. 1 cup / 120g)
• 2 celery stalks, diced (approx. 1 cup / 100g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian) (1.4 liters)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (410g)
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (425g)
• ½ cup ditalini pasta (or other small pasta shape) (approx. 50g)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional)