QUICK CHICKEN MINESTRONE

Quick Chicken Minestrone image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 tbsp olive oil
12 oz boneless skinless chicken
2 carrots
2 celery
2 garlic gloves
1 onion
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 can diced tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups Milk
1 cup small pasta (shells, macaroni or bow ties)
1 can red kidney beans
2 cups fresh baby spinach
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Freshly grated Canadian Parmesan cheese

Steps:

In large saucepan, heat half of oil over medium heat; brown chicken in batches, adding more oil as necessary to prevent sticking. Transfer to bowl and set aside. Add remaining oil to pan; sauté carrots, celery, garlic, onion, basil and oregano for about 5 min or until softened.
Add tomatoes and tomato paste; bring to boil, scraping up any brown bits stuck to pan. Whisk flour into milk; gradually whisk into pan and return to boil, stirring often. Stir in pasta; reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 8 min or until pasta is almost tender.
Add chicken, along with any accumulated juices, and beans; cook for about 5 min longer or until chicken is no longer pink inside and pasta is tender. Remove from heat and stir in spinach just until wilted. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.