Minestrone With Chicken and Sausage

Name: Minestrone With Chicken and Sausage
Ingredients: 1⁄4 cup olive oil; 1⁄2 onion, chopped into small dice; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper, freshly ground; 1⁄2 lb chicken breast, cut into 1/2 inch pieces; 1⁄2 lb Italian sausage; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 celery ribs, diced; 6 cups chicken stock; 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans; 4 sun-dried tomatoes, minced (use the oil packed variety); 1 bay leaf; 1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 8 ounces orzo pasta (any small pasta shape will work); 8 tablespoons pesto sauce (optional)