Pasta and White Bean Soup With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Ingredients (14)

• 1 cup dried great northern beans
• 2 cups finely chopped onions
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 1/2 cup sliced fennel bulb or celery
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups uncooked bow tie pasta
• 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Shredded Parmesan cheese, optional