20-Minute Minestrone

This soup is delightful.

Hearty enough for a meal.

Simple enough for those – what are we having for dinner?! nights. 

Now that the weather has turned a bit colder, make up a pot to serve your family something warm! 

20-Minute Minestrone – Adapted from Better Homes & Gardens

Ingredients

• 1 (280z) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (14 oz) can white beans, rinsed & drained
• 1 C chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium, ideally)
• 3 C water (or additional broth)
• 1 medium sweet bell pepper, diced
• 3 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 C dry whole wheat pasta (penne, rigatoni, shells, etc)
• 3 C fresh spinach
• 1 C diced cooked chicken, optional

Directions

In a large stockpot, combine the tomatoes with 1 C vegetable broth/chicken broth, 3 C water, bell pepper and pasta. 

Add in 3 tsp. Italian seasoning and 1 tsp. minced garlic. 

Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium.  Cover, and cook for 10 minutes, until the pasta is tender.  Stir occasionally. 

Toss in the spinach and beans.  Cook for 5 additional minutes, until spinach is wilted and beans are warmed.  If adding cooked chicken, add here. 

Serve immediately.  If desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. 

Enjoy!

Linked to: Tasty Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday 2