Mmm Mmm Minestrone

Dont be intimidated by all the ingredients! This is about 35 minutes prep and 50 to cook. Your best bet is to have everything cut up and ready to throw in... like you see on the cooking shows! I bolded the ingredients and "blued" everything that needs to be cut up.

In a large stock pot, over med-low heat, heat 3 T olive oil and saute 3 cloves garlic for 2-3 minutes. Add 1-2 chopped onions and saute 4-5 minutes. Add 5 sliced carrots and 2 cups chopped celery, saute for 1-2 minutes.

Add 2 cups chicken broth, 2 cups water, and 4 cups tomato sauce. Bring to boil, stirring frequently. If desired, add 1 cup red wine at this point. Reduce heat to low and add 1 cup canned/ drained kidney beans, 15 oz can green beans, 2 cups baby spinach leaves, 3 zucchini, quartered and sliced, 1 Tbls oregano, 2 Tbls basil, salt and pepper to taste. Simmer 30-40 minutes... the longer the better.

Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to boil. Cook 1/2 cup seashell pasta until tender. Drain and set aside.

Once pasta is cooked and soup is heated through place 2 Tbls cooked pasta into individual serving bowls. Ladle soup on top of pasta and sprinkle fresh Parmesan cheese on top to serve.