Minestrone Soup

small onion (, about 1/3 cup, diced)

garlic (, minced)

medium carrot (about 1 cup) (, chopped)

large celery stalk (about 1 cup) (, chopped)

dried basil

dried oregano

dried thyme

diced tomatoes (, (I usually use fire-roasted or Italian-style))

tomato paste

bay leaf

carton - 4 cups) low sodium vegetable broth

medium zucchini (around 2/3 cups) (, sliced into halves or quarters)

canned or cooked red kidney beans (, drained and rinsed (leave out for paleo & low carb))

canned or cooked cannellini beans, chickpeas OR great northern beans (, drained and rinsed (leave out for paleo & low carb))

water - add only as much as needed to cover vegetables

dried small shell pasta (use gluten free if necessary) ((leave out for paleo & low carb and add chopped cauliflower & green beans instead)))

fresh baby spinach chopped (, optional)

balsamic vinegar (, optional but adds great flavor)

Shredded or grated Parmesan cheese (, for serving)

Fresh parsley finely chopped (, for garnish (optional))