Tuscan Sausage Soup

Mother Nature is being evil to the tundra (please note when it's this cold out, I no longer reside in the northern plains or valley - it is now the frozen tundra).  Not even climbing above 0 degrees Fahrenheit.  If it was Celsius, I would see my neighbors running around outside wearing shorts...it's freakin' cold.  Good time for soup because the odds are in favor of it being cold at work also so soup is a good lunchtime meal to bring.  

Tuscan Sausage Soup

1 1/2# mild Italian sausage, browned and grease removed on paper towels
6 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup carrots, diced
1 - 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
1 - 19 oz can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup Ditalini pasta
1 tsp parsley
1 bay leaf
Salt & freshly ground pepper to taste

You can make this in the crock pot or on top of the stove.  Cook Italian sausage in a large frying pan.  Be sure to drain off all of the grease on paper towels.  Combine all ingredients (except pasta) and cook until carrots are tender.  Add in pasta and cook until al dente.