Lelli'S Minestrone Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3/4 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons butter
2 (16 ounce) cans mixed vegetables, drained
1 (32 ounce) carton chicken broth
2 (15 ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained, can substitute great northern beans
1 (14 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (8 ounce) box frozen spinach
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 teaspoon garlic
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon basil

Preparation

Saute onion in the margarine,.
Add the above ingredients and simmer for at least 1 1/2 hours.
Process at least half of the soup in a blender, or use a stick blender.
Add 1/3 cup uncooked macaroni,1/4 cup parmesan cheese and 1 cup half & half.
Cook for at least 20 minute more and serve with crusty bread and additional parmesan cheese.
You can also add a small can of garbanzo beans with the macaroni, cheese and milk.