Pasta e Fagioli Soup {pasta and beans soup}

olive oil

onion, chopped

garlic, minced or ½ teaspoon dried garlic powder

carrot, peeled and chopped

dried basil

dried oregano

red pepper flakes

diced tomatoes, undrained

vegetable broth

water

northern white beans, drained and rinsed

small pasta, uncooked

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper for garnish, optional