While cooking, in a separate pot cook pasta as directed based on the package. Set aside. While the pasta is cooking, heat oil over medium heat in a large Dutch oven. Add carrots, celery, onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Toss in the potatoes, and add more oil in this step if needed. Let cook until the potato starts to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in green beans, bay leaf, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning,
Pour in broth and mix, making sure to scrape up all of the bits from the bottom of the pan. Add beans, tomatoes and thyme. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until potatoes are just tender.
Turn off heat of the soup and add kale or spinach. Mix well until greens have wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve hot, with added pasta as desired, topped with red pepper flakes if using!
This nutritional information refers to each serving of the entire recipe and not just the products used as ingredients.