Minestrone Soup

extra virgin olive oil

butter (may sub olive oil)

small onion (diced)

medium size carrots (chopped (1 cup))

stalks celery (chopped (1 cup))

garlic cloves (minced)

fresh green beans (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)

zucchini (thickly sliced (1/4”) and quartered)

diced fire roasted tomatoes with juices

tomato sauce

kidney beans (drained and rinsed)

EACH dried basil, dried parsley

EACH dried oregano, salt, sugar

EACH black pepper, dried thyme

red pepper flakes

bay leaf

low sodium chicken broth (may sub vegetable broth)

water

uncooked small pasta shells

baby spinach

freshly grated Parmesan cheese

fresh basil (optional)