A warm and comforting soup filled with vibrant vegetables and tender pasta, perfect for a cozy meal.
Peel and dice the potato, onion, carrot, and celery into small, even pieces.
Uniformly sized pieces ensure even cooking and a pleasing texture.
In a large saucepan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced vegetables and sauté until slightly softened.
Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to evenly cook the vegetables.
Add water to the saucepan to cover the vegetables, then add the bay leaf, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
Use hot water to speed up the boiling process.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the soup simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Check the vegetables occasionally to ensure they are cooked to your liking.
Add the small shell pasta and diced tomatoes to the saucepan. Stir and cook until the pasta is tender.
Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Removing the bay leaf ensures a smooth and enjoyable eating experience.