Minestrone - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 c. dried white navy beans
1/2 c. whole wheat pasta (shells or elbow macaroni)
2 Tbsp. olive oil (optional; for nonfat eaters, use olive oil spray)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 tomatoes, cubed
1 small zucchini, cubed
1/2 lb. fresh green beans, sliced
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper or to taste
8 c. water
1 Tbsp. dried basil
1 clove garlic (whole)
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Rinse and soak navy beans according to package instructions; discard water and add fresh water.
Cook according to package instructions, omitting salt; set aside.