Microwave Minestrone Soup

• 3 slices bacon, cut in small pieces
• 1/2 c. chopped onion
• 1/2 tsp. garlic
• 1/2 c. sliced carrots
• 1/2 c. sliced celery
• 3 c. water
• 1 c. marinara spaghetti sauce (no meat)
• 1 can drained kidney, fava or pinto beans
• 1/4 c. small shell pasta
• 2 tsp. beef bouillon
• fresh ground black pepper
• 1/2 c. fresh zucchini, cut into small pieces

1. To serve 6:
2. Using a 3-quart microwave bowl or casserole dish, cook the bacon pieces on High 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute. Blot with paper napkin to absorb grease.
3. Stir in onion and garlic and microwave, covered, on High for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in celery and carrots and 1 tablespoon water, then cover and cook on High for 3 minutes.
5. Stir in all else except zucchini, then cover and cook on High 10 minutes.
6. Stir; add zucchini, then cover and cook on High 5 minutes more.
7. Macaroni and vegetables should be tender.
8. Stir and let cool 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
9. Pass the grated Parmesan cheese.

bacon, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, water, kidney, shell pasta, beef bouillon, fresh ground black pepper, fresh zucchini

Taken from www.cookbooks.com/Recipe-Details.aspx?id=763030 (may not work)