Creamy Zucchini Soup No Cream Required

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 leeks (light green stalk only, halved and thinly sliced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 3 medium zucchini (diced)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (or to taste)
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• ½ cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)