Creamy Minestrone

This version of minestrone is a creamy soup with tomatoes and cheese, along with zucchini, spinach, and macaroni.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

2 cans condensed beef broth (10 1/2 ounces each)
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach
1 cup macaroni, uncooked
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed tomato soup
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
4 cups milk
1 1/2 cups sliced and quartered zucchini, about 2 medium
1 teaspoon dried leaf oregano, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 slices bacon, cooked, drained, and crumbled

Instructions:

Place beef broth and spinach in a large saucepan or Dutch oven; cook over low heat until spinach is thawed, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to package directions. Rinse and drain well.

To the pot add tomato soup and tomato paste, milk, zucchini, oregano, garlic powder, and macaroni. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in Cheddar cheese until melted. Toss together the Parmesan cheese and crumbled bacon; serve as garnish for soup.

Serves 4 to 6.