Weight Watchers Minestrone Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces (fresh or frozen)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, no-salt-added
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth for added flavor)
• 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (or any white bean)
• 1/2 cup elbow macaroni (or any small pasta, can use whole wheat or gluten-free for a healthier option)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1-2 cups baby spinach or kale, chopped (optional for added greens)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
2. Add the Remaining Vegetables:
   • Add the zucchini, green beans, and diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
3. Simmer the Soup:
   • Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the Beans and Pasta:
   • Stir in the cannellini beans and pasta. Continue to simmer for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. (If you want to make the soup lower-carb, you can omit the pasta or substitute it with zucchini noodles or another lower-carb pasta alternative.)
5. Add the Greens:
   • If you’re using spinach or kale, add it to the soup in the final few minutes of cooking. Stir it in until wilted and incorporated.
6. Taste and Adjust:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, top with a small sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Serve hot, and enjoy!