SIMPLE SAUSAGE MINESTRONE

Simple Sausage Minestrone image

Chock-full of veggies, this chunky soup is nearly a meal in itself, says Regina Cook of Crowley, Texas. "I got the recipe from my parents, who made it for years. Now my friends ask to come over whenever I make it," she adds.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 45m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

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Ingredients

1 bacon strip, diced
2/3 cup smoked kielbasa or Polish sausage, quartered
1 small onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup chopped carrot
2 tablespoons chopped celery
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup canned diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (5-1/2 ounces) tomato juice
1/4 cup chopped zucchini
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt, optional
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup cooked elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

In a large saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towel. In the drippings, saute sausage, onion and garlic for 3 minutes. Stir in the carrot and celery. Cook and stir 2 minutes longer or until sausage is lightly browned; drain., Stir in the broth, tomatoes, tomato juice, zucchini and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in the beans and macaroni; heat through. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bacon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 277 calories, Fat 9g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 30mg cholesterol, Sodium 1194mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (14g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 16g protein.