There is nothing like minestrone soup when the cold weather hits. This classic Italian soup is chock full of beans, vegetable goodness and then when you add pasta? Minestrone is comfort food perfection - add in some crusty, buttered bread and call it dinner!
In the bottom of a large soup pot on medium-high heat, melt the butter. add in the onion and fry until softened.
Add in the celery, carrots, zucchini, green beans and minced garlic. Fry until the garlic is fragrant, two to three minutes.
Add in all of the remaining ingredients except for the pasta shells. Mix everything completely.
Simmer on the stove until the vegetables are tender, around 20-30 minutes. Once they are tender, add the pasta. Simmer for another 9-10 minutes until the pasta is cooked to your liking.
Remove from the stove. Ladle into bowls and serve topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.