Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed, if present
  
• 1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
  
• 1 medium carrot, chopped (1/2 cup)
  
• 1 stalk celery, chopped (1/2 cup)
  
• 8 cups chicken broth
  
• 1 14 1/2 - ounce can diced tomatoes
  
• 1 8 - ounce can tomato sauce
  
• 1 clove garlic, minced
  
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
  
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
  
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
  
• 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
  
• 1 bay leaf
  
• 1/2 cup dried orzo pasta or finely broken cappellini pasta
  
• Finely shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)