Easy Minestrone

By cserumga

1 cup equals 180 calories, 4 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 4 mg cholesterol, 443 mg sodium, 29 g carbohydrate, 7 g fiber, 8 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat.

Ingredients

• 2 large carrots, diced
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cans (8 ounces each) no-salt-added tomato sauce
• 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1-1/2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1-1/2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup uncooked whole wheat elbow macaroni
• 11 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Step 1

•In a large saucepan, saute the carrots, celery and onion in oil and butter until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.

• Stir in the broth, tomato sauce, beans, tomatoes, cabbage, basil, parsley, oregano and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain.

• Return soup to a boil. Stir in pasta; heat through. Ladle into bowls. Sprinkle with cheese.