Shortcut Minestrone

Shortcut Minestrone

1 large onion, chopped
3 medium carrots, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 jar (28 oz.) spaghetti sauce
2 cans of beef broth
1 can (16 oz.) kidney beans, undrained
1 can (15 oz.) chick peas, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz.) cut green Italian beans, drained
2/3 cup uncooked small shell pasta
2 tsp. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
4 bacon strips, cooked, crumbled to garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese to garnish

Sauté chopped onions and carrots in small amount of cooking oil for 3-4 minutes until tender. Add garlic and cook 2 minutes longer. Stir in spaghetti sauce, broth and kidney beans; bring to boil. Add pasta, brown sugar, basil and oregano. Cook uncovered 8-10 min. until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. Add green beans, cook 5 min. longer or until heated through. Garnish with Parmesan Cheese and crumbled bacon. Yield 2 1/2 quarts.