Pasta Fagioli Soup Plus Turkey (crock-pot)

Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 4 hrs

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground turkey (93/7 or leaner)
• 1 large zucchini
• 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 (14 ounce) cans beef broth
• 1 (16 ounce) can great northern beans (drain & rinse)
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup small shell pasta (ditilini)
• 1/2 cup crouton (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated cheese (parmesan)

Recipe

• 1 may be done one day ahead, then refrigerated: wash & mince zucchini (leave skin on). heat olive olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. add minced garlic, then zucchini. cook, stirring occasionally, till garlic is fragrant & zucchini golden (less than 5 minutes). remove from pan and set aside; return pan to heat. to same pan, add ground turkey. cook, breaking up, until no longer pink. remove from pan.
• 2 place broth, beans, tomatoes, basil & oregano in crock pot. add cooked zucchini & turkey. cover & cook on low 3 to 5 hours. taste for seasonings & adjust as desired.
• 3 cook pasta in boiling water according to package directions (salt the cooking water if desired). serve soup with a spoonful of pasta; top with croutons and cheese. we always serve it with crusty, warm bread.
• 4 source credit (i have made changes/ additions): favorite brand name slow cooker recipes, 2005.