Pre-heat the oven to 325˚F.
Heat a soup pot over medium to medium-high heat with EVOO, two turns of the pan. Add the onion, garlic, green beans, carrots, celery, bay leaf and chickpeas and season liberally with salt and pepper. Cook the vegetables for 7-8 minutes to soften, then add in the stock, water and tomato puree. Bring the soup to a boil, add the penne and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the basil and turn off the heat.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small pot over low heat. Pulse the bread and pine nuts together in a food processor. Turn the breadcrumbs out onto a cookie sheet and toss with the butter and cheese. Toast in the oven for 12-15 minutes, until light golden in color.
Top the soup with the breadcrumbs and serve.