Olive Garden Minestrone Soup

Adapted from: http://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/copycat-olive-garden-minestrone-soup-by-todd-wilbur-77585

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, minced
1 stalk celery, minced
1 carrot, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups water
1 can kidney beans
1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes, or 2 fresh tomatoes, diced
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup spinach
1/2 c frozen corn
1⁄2 cup small shell pasta

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat three tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot.
2. Saute onion, celery, garlic, in the oil for 5 minutes or until onions begin to turn translucent.
3. Add water to pot, plus tomatoes, carrot, hot water, and spices.
4. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Add spinach leaves, corn and pasta and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until desired consistency.
6. Enjoy!