Minestrone

Ingredients

• 1 c. dried white navy beans
• 1/2 c. whole wheat pasta (shells or elbow macaroni)
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil (optional; for nonfat eaters, use olive oil spray)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tomatoes, cubed
• 1 small zucchini, cubed
• 1/2 lb. fresh green beans, sliced
• 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper or to taste
• 8 c. water
• 1 Tbsp. dried basil
• 1 clove garlic (whole)
• 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese