Minestrone Soup

Ingredients (18)

• 4 ounces bacon 1/2-inch diced (4-5 slices)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil plus extra for toasting the bread and serving
• 3 cups butternut squash 1/2-inch diced & peeled (about 1 pound)
• 2 cups carrots 1/2-inch diced (4 carrots)
• 2 cups celery 1/2-inch diced (3 stalks)
• 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion about 1 medium
• 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic 4 cloves
• 1 pound kale stems removed and leaves coarsely chopped
• 28 ounces canned chopped tomatoes
• 6 to 8 cups low sodium chicken stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt plus additional as needed (depending upon the saltiness of the stock)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cups cooked whole wheat small pasta such as elbow (about 1 cup dry)
• 1 can cannellini beans (14 ounces) drained and rinsed
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
• Baguette cut into 1/2 inch thick diagonal slices