Ingredients

1 strip (1 ounce) bacon, diced

1 medium onion, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

Coarse salt and ground pepper

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 cans (15 ounces each) beans, such as navy or cannellini, drained and rinsed

4 cups reduced-sodium canned chicken broth

3/4 cup tubetti, ditalini, or other short, tubular pasta

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

In a Dutch oven or stockpot, cook bacon over medium heat until browned and crisp, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes.

Add onion and carrots; cook until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and rosemary; cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.

Stir in tomato paste, beans, broth, and 4 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, partially covered, until soup has thickened slightly, about 10 minutes.

With a potato masher, mash some of the beans (still in pot) to thicken soup. Add pasta; cook until al dente, about 10 minutes.

To serve, ladle soup into bowls; sprinkle with parsley.