Summer Minestrone Soup Recipe

Name: Summer Minestrone Soup Recipe
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup diced onion (about 1/2 onion); 1/2 cup sliced leeks, white and light green parts; 1/2 cup diced celery (about one celery rib); 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper (about 1/4 of one bell pepper); 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 Tbsp); 6 cups chicken stock (can use good quality vegetable stock for vegetarian option); 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme); 1 teaspoon kosher salt (add more salt if using unsalted stock); 2 cups large dice zucchini (or other summer squash such as crookneck or pattypan); 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch lengths; 2 roma tomatoes, diced; 1/2 cup cooked small white beans; 1/2 cup dry ditalini or any small pasta (omit for gluten-free option); Fresh basil for garnish; Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)