Minestroni Soup

One of my favorite soups is the minestrone soup. This is the perfect recipe. It is very similar to the minestrone soup in Olive Garden, Which I love. (in fact I think mine is better ;) )

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup minced onion
• 1 cup chopped zucchini
• 1 cup frozen cut italian green beans
• 1/2 cup minced celery
• 4 teaspoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can red kidney beans, drained
• 1 can small white beans, drained
• 1 can petite diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup carrot, shredded
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 cups hot water
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 cup small shell pasta

Directions:

1. 1 Heat three tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot.
2. 2 Saute onion, celery, garlic, green beans, and zucchini in the oil for 5 minutes or until onions begin to turn translucent.
3. 3 Add vegetable broth to pot, plus drained tomatoes, beans, carrot, hot water, and spices.
4. 4 Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer for 20 minutes.
5. 5 Add spinach leaves and pasta and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until desired consistency.