Momma'S Amazing Macaroni And Bean Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter (no substitutes, please)
1 large onion, chopped
1 large carrot, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced or 1/2-1 teaspoon garlic powder
3 slices lean turkey bacon, chopped
4 -5 cups chicken stock (or more, as needed) or 4 -5 cups broth (or more, as needed)
1/2 - 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans
6 -12 ounces tomato paste
8 ounces ditalini or 8 ounces other short penne pasta, cooked just to al dente
salt, to taste

Preparation

Melt butter in a large, heavy saucepan.
Saute onions, carrots, bacon and garlic for 5 minutes.
Add stock and seasoning, stir, and bring to a boil.
Boil until carrots and onions are tender.
Add beans, and return to a boil.
Whisk in desired amount of tomato paste and lower heat to a simmer.
Add pasta, and simmer until desired tenderness.
Serve with parmesan cheese.