Pasta E Fagioli Soup (Italian Pasta And Bean Soup)

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound italian sausage, casings removed (omit for vegetarian)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds, toasted and ground
• 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 (15 ounce) cans cannellini beans
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 (2 inch) piece parmesan rind
• 1 cup ditalini pasta
• salt and pepper to taste
• parsley, chopped (optional)
• parmesan, grated (optional)