Hearty Minestrone Soup (South Beach Diet Phase 2)

From newest book. Haven't tried.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1  small onion, chopped
• 1  carrot, diced
• 2  stalks celery, diced
• 3  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  teaspoon  crumbled  dried Italian herb seasoning
•  fresh ground pepper
• 3 1⁄2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 4  cups  spinach leaves, chopped
• 1  cup  thawed  frozen mixed vegetables (such as cauliflower, green beans, zucchini and or or brocolli)
• 1⁄2 cup  whole wheat ditalini (small shell pasta)
•  salt
•  pepper
• 4  tablespoons fresh parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, garlic, Italian seasonings, and a generous pinch of fresh ground pepper.
2. Cook, stirring occasionally until softened, about 7 minutes.
3. Add broth spinach and vegetable mix. Bring to a simmer, add Ditalini and cook until veggies are tender and pasta is al dente.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle each serving with Parmasan cheese and serve hot.