Meatball Minestrone

From Southern Living. A quick, satisfying family meal.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Yields: 4 quarts

Ingredients

• 3  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 3 (15 ounce) cans cannellini beans, undrained and divided
• 1 (32 ounce) container chicken broth
• 1 (1 1/2ounce) envelope  vegetable soup mix (Knorr's)
• 60 -64  frozen cooked  meatballs
• 1 (14 1/2ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil oregano and garlic
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  dried crushed red pepper flakes
• 8  ounces  uncooked rotini pasta
• 1 (10 ounce) package fresh spinach, torn
•  shredded parmesan cheese
•  chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Saute garlic in hot oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat for 1 minute.
2. Add in 2 cans beans and chicken broth; bring mixture to a boil.
3. ADd in vegetable soup mix; stir until dissolves.
4. Add in meatballs, tomatoes, and red pepper flakes; return to a boil.
5. Add in rotini; cook, stirring frequently, for 15 minutes.
6. Add in remaining beans and spinach; cook 5 more minutes.
7. Ladle into soup bowls; garnish with parmesan cheese and parsley.