Easy Minestrone Soup with Pasta, Beans and Vegetables in Slow Cooker

What is better than coming home from a long, cold, damp day to a steamy pot of warm soup?! Knowing that it only took 15 minutes to prepare! This recipe is easy, tasty, and can cook while you are sleeping or away at work! Here is what you will need- 3 cups reduced-sodium vegetable or chicken broth 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes 1 (15-ounce) can white (cannellini or navy) beans, drained 2 carrots, peeled and chopped 1 celery stalk, chopped 1 cup onion, chopped 1 teaspoon dried thyme ½ teaspoon dried sage 2 bay leaves Salt and ground pepper 2 cups cooked ditalini pasta 1 medium zucchini, chopped 2 cups chopped fresh or frozen spinach 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan or Romano cheese (if desired) Basil sprigs as an optional garnish Here is what to do- In a slow cooker combine broth, tomatoes, beans, carrots, celery, onion, thyme, sage, bay leaves, and ½ teaspoon of salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. 30 minutes before the soup is done, add the pasta, zucchini and spinach. Remove bay leaves and season to your liking with salt and/or pepper. Serve with cheese on top and basil as a garnish. Enjoy your hot soup on a cold day!