Tuscan Chicken Soup

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Makes 6 servings

2 carrots, chopped

1 rib celery, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, chopped

4 large cloves garlic, minced

1 large or 2 small bay leaves

8 cups low-sodium chicken broth

3 cups shredded skinless roasted chicken breast

3 plum tomatoes, diced

1/2 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium)

1 can (15 ounces) no-salt-added cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (14 ounces) water-packed artichoke hearts, drained, rinsed, and roughly chopped

1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or 11/2 teaspoons dried

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage or 11/2 teaspoons dried

1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 11/2 teaspoons dried

12 thin slices Parmesan cheese, shaved with a vegetable peeler (optional)

1. In a microwaveable bowl, combine the carrots, celery, and 1/4 cup water. Cover loosely with plastic wrap. Microwave on high power for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are almost tender.

2. Heat the oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the steamed vegetables and the bay leaf. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes.

3. Add the broth, chicken, tomatoes, zucchini, beans, and artichoke hearts. Simmer for 30 minutes.

4. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Add the oregano, sage, and thyme and simmer for 5 minutes.

5. Serve the soup topped with shaved Parmesan, if desired.

Per serving: 289 calories, 29 g protein, 27 g carbohydrates, 8 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 7 g fiber, 891 mg sodium