| 3 | tb | Olive oil |
| 1 | lg | Onion; chopped |
| 2 | | Carrots; sliced in 1/2 moons |
| 2 | | Celery stalks; sliced |
| 2 | | Cloves garlic; minced |
| 2 | sm | Zucchini; sliced in 1/2 moons |
| 1/2 | lb | Spinach |
| | Or |
| 5 | | Swiss chard leaves; tough stems removed |
| | & coarsely chopped |
| 28 | oz | Plum tomatoes, diced; with liquid (1 can) |
| 15 | oz | Canellini (white kidney beans); with liquid |
| | Or |
| 1 | c | Dried beans; cooked |
| 1/4 | c | Fresh parsley; chopped |
| 2 | tb | Fresh basil leaves; chopped |
| | Or |
| 1 | ts | Basil leaves; dried |
| | Oregano; optional |
| | Freshly ground black pepper; to taste |
| 1 | lb | Pasta; ziti, spirals, or |
| | Shells |
| | Grated Parmesan; optional |
| | Olive oil; optional |
