Italian Pasta and Beans Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 medium celery stalk, finely diced
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups canned cannellini beans (white beans), drained and rinsed
• 1 cup diced tomatoes, canned or fresh
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini, elbows)
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for serving)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)