Hearty Minestrone Soup

Difficulty: easy Prep Time: Five Minutes Total Time: 30 Minutes or Less
3 slices bacon
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 1/2 cups cabbage, chopped
4 cups water
3 (10oz) cans chicken broth
1 (19oz) can tomatoes, coarsely chopped with liquid reserved
1 cup mini pasta shells
1 (14oz) can red or white kidney beans, drained
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tbsp Italian parsley, chopped (fresh or dried)
parmesan cheese, grated

Cook bacon until crisp; chop. Add onion, carrot, celery and cabbage. Cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Stir in water, broth and tomatoes with liquid; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Stir in shells and cook, uncovered, 15 minutes longer. Stir beans, garlic and parsley into soup and cook for an additional 10 - 15 minutes. Serve topped with parmesan cheese.