MINESTRONE SOUP
Ingredients
- 6 oz. small pasta {like elbow, macaroni or ditalini pasta}
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped {about 2 cups}
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped, {about 1 cup}
- 3 medium carrots, chopped {about 1 1/2 cups}
- 1 - 24 oz. jar of Classico Riviera Marinara Sauce
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 - 15 oz. can of diced tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons basil
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 parmesan rind {optional}
- 1 cup of frozen green beans
- 1 large zucchini, sliced {about 2 cups}
- 1 - 15 oz. can of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 - 15 oz. can of white beans {like cannellini or Great Northern}, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups fresh spinach, tightly packed
Garnish:
- Freshly chopped Italian parsley or curly parsley
- Freshly chopped basil
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package. Once done drain and rinse under cold water, set aside.
- In a large pot heat the 2 Tablespoons olive oil over medium hight heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the garlic, carrots and celery and sauté for another 3-4 minutes, until carrots just start to become tender.
- Add the Classico Riviera Marinara Sauce, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, salt, pepper and parmesan rind {optional} and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to low and simmer covered for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and add the frozen green beans, zucchini, red and white beans and continue simmering for another 4-5 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender. Add the spinach and let the soup sit until the spinach is wilted, about 2 more minutes.
- Remove the parmesan rind before serving.
- In soup bowls portion out the pasta and ladle the soup over top of the pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, basil and freshly grated parmesan cheese.