Crock Pot Italian Minestrone Soup

You already know that I have an obsession with soup. I make new soup recipes weekly and am rarely disappointed. This soup recipe is extremely healthy and very flavorful. My husband is doing weight watchers so my hope is to start posting a lot of weight watcher friendly recipes, just in case others are doing the same program.

This soup is filling and very hearty, so I served it with some fresh fruit. It does have a high carb count, so you may wish to serve it with fruit or an italian side salad. I believe mini whole grain cornbread muffins would be delicious with it as well. Just try not to have but one or two because you don't want that many carbs at one meal.

Crock Pot Italian Minestrone Soup
Serves: 6 large servings
Adapted by: http://www.skinnytaste.com/2009/11/crock-pot-minestrone-soup.html

Ingredients:
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 28oz can diced tomatoes (I use the version that is seasoned with basil and oregano)
1 15oz can white cannellini beans or white navy beans
3 cups reduced sodium and fat free chicken broth
1 oz parmesan cheese - you will grate this on top once it has cooked
1 fresh rosemary sprig OR 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil OR 1 tablespoon dried basil
1/4 cup chopped italian parsley OR 2 tablespoons dried parsley
salt and pepper for seasoning
1 medium zucchini, chopped
2 cups chopped spinach
2 cups small pasta shells - make sure to use whole wheat versions to make healthier

Directions:
-Drain and rinse the beans.
-In a crockpot, combine chicken broth, tomatoes, beans, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
-Approx 45 minutes before the soup is going to be finished cooking, add your zucchini and spinach. Cover and cook an additional 30 minutes.
-With 15 minutes before the soup is done, add your pasta. Cook an additional ten to fifteen minutes.
-Remove your bay leaves and season with additional seasonings if necessary.
-Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Enjoy! :)