MINESTRONE WITH GARLIC CROUTONS

Minestrone with Garlic Croutons image

Bring a touch of Italy to your dinner table with homemade minestrone that's ready in less than an hour.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories Entree

Time 45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

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Ingredients

2 cups cubed (1/2 to 3/4 inch) French bread
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups frozen bell pepper and onion stir-fry (from 1-lb bag)
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
2 cans (14.5 oz each) Italian-style stewed tomatoes, undrained
3 1/2 cups Progresso™ beef flavored broth (from 32-oz carton)
1/2 cup uncooked small pasta shells (2 oz)
1 can (15 oz) Progresso™ dark red kidney beans, drained, rinsed

Steps:

Heat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, mix crouton ingredients until bread is well coated. In ungreased 15x10x1-inch pan, spread croutons. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, stirring and turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
Meanwhile, in 4-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add stir-fry vegetables. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender. Stir in mixed vegetables, tomatoes and beef broth. Heat to boiling, breaking up tomatoes with spoon as mixture cooks. Stir in pasta. Cook uncovered over medium heat 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables and pasta are tender.
Stir in beans. Cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated. Top each serving with warm croutons.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 350, Carbohydrate 51 g, Cholesterol 20 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 9 g, Protein 12 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1100 mg, Sugar 13 g, TransFat 0 g