Lentil and Sausage Soup

1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage

1 large onion, chopped

1 stalk celery, finely chopped

1 tablespoon chopped garlic

1 (16 ounce) package dry lentils, rinsed

1 cup shredded carrot

8 cups water

2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth

1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

2 bay leaves

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon dried basil

1 tablespoon salt, or to taste

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 pound ditalini pasta (optional)

What You Need