Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 4 ounces pancetta (cut into 1-inch x ¼-inch slices)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 carrots (sliced into ¼ inch pieces)
  • 1 rib celery (sliced into ¼ inch pieces)
  • 1 small yellow onion (peeled & diced)
  • 1 zucchini (sliced into ¼ inch pieces)
  • 1 yellow summer squash (sliced into ¼ inch pieces)
  • 2 garlic cloves (peeled & minced)
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (crushed red peppers)
  • 2 14 ounce cans Basil, Oregano Diced Tomatoes with juice
  • 1 11.5 ounce can/bottle Low-Sodium V8 juice
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 cups fresh (baby spinach, roughly chopped)
  • 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • ¾ cup dry Orzo
  • 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled & cut into ½-inch cubes)
  • 2 15 ounce cans great northern beans, drained & rinsed
  • Reserved crispy Pancetta
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
  • Crusty Italian Bread

Instruction

  • Place the Pancetta in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the Pancetta until crisp and remove it to a paper towel-lined plate for later use.
  • Add 1-tablespoon olive oil and lower heat to medium-low. When oil shimmers, add the carrots and celery and cook for 2 minutes. Stir often.
  • Add the onion, stirring often, and cook 2 minutes.
  • Add the zucchini and yellow squash and cook 2 minutes. Stir often.
  • Add the garlic, stir and cook 30 seconds more.
  • Add red pepper flakes, seasoned tomatoes with juice, V8 juice, bay leaf, spinach and chicken broth. Turn heat to medium and bring to a boil.
  • Add orzo and potatoes and bring the soup back to boil, stirring occasionally.
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer until orzo is cooked to al denté, about 10 minutes or per pasta package directions.
  • Add beans and cook 5 minutes or until beans are heated through.
  • Season to taste, adding salt and pepper as needed.
  • Ladle into soup bowls and sprinkle with reserved crispy Pancetta, grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil.
  • Serve immediately along with slices of toasty Italian bread.
  • Enjoy!