Hearty Minestrone with Shells Recipe

My mom made about 100 pounds of Minestrone soup last Sunday and it lasted all week, with me eating it for 2 meals a day. I’m definitely sick of it now… but it was still DELICIOUS! I’m going to try to cook in bulk every Sunday so I eat healthier during the week and spend less money on lunches!

Ingredients:

8 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
3 celery ribs, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes with juice
4 ounces green beans, trimmed, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 cups chopped fresh Swiss chard
1 15-oz. can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
6 ounces medium-size pasta shells
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Salt and pepper

Preparation:

1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook sausage, stirring and breaking up with a wooden spoon until no traces of pink remain, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer meat to paper towels; drain fat from pot. Add olive oil, onion, garlic, celery and carrot and cook, stirring, until vegetables have softened, 6 to 8 minutes.

2. Stir in chicken broth, tomatoes with juice and 3 cups water and bring to a simmer. Add green beans and chard and simmer until very soft, about 20 minutes. Stir in beans, pasta and reserve sausage and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente, 8 to 10 minutes.

3. Stir in Parmesan and season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and serve.

Original recipes here.

2.18.12

8 Notes/ Hide

  1. kristysfoodandfitness posted this