Leonardo Romanelli's Pasta e Ceci, or Chickpea and Pasta Soup

As Leonardo noted when setting out the ingredients, tomato is optional in Tuscan pasta e ceci. But he likes it, so in it goes, together with some rosemary leaves from the sprig, which add a pleasant aroma. You can also add some hot pepper flakes at this point, he says, -- about a half teaspoon -- but Tuscans usually don't.

Simmer for 5-10 minutes.