Healthy Bean and Pasta Soup Recipe

BRRRR! Unless you're one of the lucky snowbirds to have escaped the recent winter storms, you could probably use a nice hot soothing soup to help you brave the elements. Fill up on this healthy bean and pasta soup from The Recipe Circus and you'll be laughing at the snow! Enjoy it in front of the fire or take a thermus to work.

Makes 8 servings

6 slices bacon (or turkey bacon), cut up
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
3/4 cup shredded carrots
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 (14-1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice
1 (15-16 ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
6 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup elbow macaroni or other small pasta (try whole wheat pasta for extra fiber)
freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Cook bacon in 4 quart Dutch oven until limp. Stir in onion, celery, carrot, garlic and red pepper. Cook about 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in tomatoes. Cook 10 minutes longer, stirring occasionally. Stir in beans and broth. Heat to boiling. Stir in macaroni. Cook about 15 minutes or until pasta is tender, but still firm. Sprinkle with cheese.

For more healthy recipes check out the other delicious recipes listed on this blog or visit Green Mountain Healthy Living Recipe Favorites.

Tags: healthy soup recipe, healthy eating , bean and pasta soup