Quick Minestrone

6 cups beef broth

1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

1 can low-sodium stewed tomatoes
1 1/2 cups vegetable juice
1 6-ounce can low-sodium tomato paste
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1-1/2 cups loose-pack frozen mixed vegetables (such as an Italian blend)
2 cups fresh spinach leaves, cut into strips

2 cups cooked pasta (1 cup uncooked), such as small shells or mostaccioli

Finely shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)

If Serving Immediately:

In a large kettle combine broth, beans, stewed tomatoes, vegetable juice, tomato paste, sugar, and Italian seasoning. Bring to boiling. Add mixed vegetables. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add spinach and cooked pasta; heat through. To serve, ladle into bowls. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Makes 8 main-dish servings.

If Serving Next Day:

Prepare soup up to the point where frozen vegetables are cooked until tender. Remove from heat; cool quickly. Refrigerate, covered, overnight. To serve, reheat soup over medium heat. Stir in spinach and cooked pasta. Heat through.