| 2 | ts | Olive oil |
| 5 | oz | Lean Canadian bacon; cut into thin strips |
| 1 | sm | Red onion; diced |
| 1 | sm | Red bell pepper; cored and seeded, diced |
| 2 | lg | Cloves garlic; minced |
| 2 | cn | (14 1/2-ounce) fat-free; reduced-sodium chicken broth; see cook's notes |
| 1 | c | Uncooked; small elbow macaroni |
| 2 | tb | Minced fresh or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano |
| 2 | ts | Minced fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme |
| 1 | cn | (15-ounce) cannellini beans; undrained, divided use; see cook's notes |
| | Freshly ground black pepper to taste |
| | Crostini; see cook's notes |
| | Optional garnish: chopped Italian parsley |
