Minestrone in Minutes

Minestrone in Minutes

Provolone cheese is baked on top of this classic Italian soup to make it extraordinary!

Preparation Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: 21 min.
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon LAND O LAKES® Butter
1 cup water
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 medium (1/2 cup) onion, chopped
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh garlic
2 (15-ounce) cans pinto and/or kidney beans, rinsed, drained
2 (14 1/2-ounce) cans diced tomatoes in juice
2 (14-ounce) cans beef or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning*
4 ounces (1 cup) uncooked dried elbow macaroni
Salt and pepper to taste

Topping Ingredients:

1/2 cup croutons
4 ounces (1 cup) Alpine Lace® Deli Reduced Fat Provolone Cheese, shredded

Instructions:
Melt butter in 4-quart saucepan; add water, green pepper, onion and garlic. Cook over medium heat until onion is tender (5 to 7 minutes).

Stir in beans, tomatoes, beef broth and Italian seasoning. Continue cooking until mixture comes to a full boil (10 to 12 minutes). Reduce heat to low. Add macaroni; cook uncovered until macaroni is tender and soup is heated through (6 to 8 minutes).

Heat oven to 400°F. To serve, place soup in individual ovenproof bowls. Top each with croutons and 2 tablespoons cheese. Bake for 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Substitutions:
*Substitute 1 teaspoon each dried basil leaves, dried marjoram leaves and dried oregano leaves and 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage.



Nutritional Facts:

1 serving
Calories 240
Fat 6 g
Cholesterol 10 mg
Sodium 940 mg
Carbohydrate 35 g
Dietary Fiber 9 g
Protein 13 g