MINESTRONE SOUP
Old Spaghetti Factory Copycat Recipe
Makes about 10 Cups
1/2 lb Italian sausage with casing removed (or substitute ground beef or meatballs, or go meatless!)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped celery
4 cups beef broth
1 (28-oz.) can of diced tomatoes
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 (19-oz.) can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup tiny shell pasta
Parmesan cheese
Fry sausage meat, breaking up, with garlic, onion and celery in large pot or Dutch oven until sausage is no longer pink. Drain. Add next 8 ingredients (everything except the pasta and cheese). Stir to combine.
Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add pasta. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes or until pasta is tender but firm. Sprinkle individual servings with Parmesan cheese.