Simple Minestrone Soup

Quick and easy to put together in your crock pot. If I have a parmesan cheese rind, I throw that in during the cooking for authentic Italian flavor.

• Ready In: 6 hrs 20 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 1  lb  chicken sausage (spicy or mild Italian)
• 3  garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can beef broth
• 1 (14 ounce) can tomatoes, diced
• 1 (14 1/2ounce) can  chopped zucchini with Italian-style tomato sauce
• 1 (14 1/2ounce) can  cut green beans
• 1 (8 3/4ounce) can carrots, sliced
• 1 (15 ounce) can white beans, drained
• 3  cups  V8 vegetable juice
• 1  cup water
• 1  teaspoon garlic powder
• 1  teaspoon onion powder
• 1  teaspoon dried basil
• 1  tablespoon dried oregano
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8  ounces small shell pasta
• 1⁄2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded

Directions

1. Brown chicken sausage and then slice into bite-size pieces.
2. Add the sausage and all ingredients except for the pasta and cheese to a large crock pot (do not drain vegetables).
3. Cook on low for 6 - 8 hours.
4. Cook pasta according to package directions (slightly undercook).
5. Add pasta to the crock pot and continue cooking for 15 minutes.
6. Serve with parmesan cheese.