Quick minestrone soup

An Italian classic! This soup can double as an accompaniment to the meal or as the meal itself. This recipe is very versatile, allowing for a variety of vegetable options. Quick minestrone soup is high in protein and carbohydrates, certain to provide you with energy for hours!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

2 cup ziti pasta, uncooked (or other tube-shaped pasta)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (32 oz total) vegetable broth
1 can (14.5 oz) seasoned chopped tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 package frozen broccoli, carrot and cauliflower blend, thawed

Combine first 6 ingredients in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes or until pasta is done, stirring occasionally. Ladle into bowls.

Yield: 9 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

Nutritional analysis: (per serving)

Calories: 443
Fat: 3 g
Protein: 26 g
Carbohydrate: 81 g
Cholesterol: 1 mg
Sodium: 791 mg

Notes

This soup is very flexible, allowing for a vast array of vegetables and flavors, depending on your or your family's tastes --try pink beans and lima beans or perhaps another one of the many delicious frozen vegetable mixes available in the market. If serving as a first course, reduce serving size to 1/2 cup.

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