italian minestrone

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped onion
• 1 1/2 cups chopped carrot
• 1 cup diced green pepper
• 5 cups cubed zucchini & yelow squash
• 4 cups fresh diced roma toamatoes
• 3-4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic from jar
• 1/2 cup whole wheat pasta, elbow, shells or penne
• 1 can dark red kidney beans, undrained, 15.5 oz
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)