Classic Italian Minestrone Soup with Vegetables and Pasta - Quickie Treats

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, chopped (1 cup)
• 3 stalks celery, chopped (1 cup)
• 4-6 garlic cloves, minced
• 150g fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2.5cm pieces
• 1 zucchini, thickly sliced (0.6cm) and quartered
• 2 cans (410g each) fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices
• 1 can (425g) tomato sauce
• 1 can (440g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/8-1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 1/2 cups small pasta shells, uncooked
• 2-3 cups baby spinach
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)