Hearty Minestrone Soup (South Beach Diet Phase 2)

• 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

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.

extra virgin olive oil, onion, carrot, stalks celery, garlic, fresh ground pepper, chicken broth, spinach leaves, mixed vegetables, whole wheat ditalini, salt, pepper, parmesan cheese

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/hearty-minestrone-soup-south-beach-diet-phase-2-438366 (may not work)