Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   3      tablespoons   olive oil
   1      large         onion -- chopped
   2                    carrots -- sliced in 1/2 moons
   2                    celery stalks -- sliced
   2      cloves        garlic -- minced
   2      small         zucchini -- sliced in 1/2 moons
     1/2  pound         spinach or
   5                    swiss chard leaves -- tough stems removed
                        and coarsely chopped
  28      ounces        plum tomatoes -- diced, with liquid
                        -- (1 can)
  15      ounces        canellini -- (white kidney
                        -- beans), with liquid
                        or
   1      cup           dried beans -- cooked
     1/4  cup           fresh parsley -- chopped
   2      tablespoons   fresh basil leaves -- chopped
                        or
   1      teaspoon      basil leaves -- dried
                        oregano -- optional
                        freshly ground black pepper -- to taste
   1      pound         pasta -- ziti, spirals, or
                        shells
                        grated parmesan -- optional
                        olive oil -- optional

Preparation:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot. Sauté‚the onion, carrots, and celery for a few minutes. Add the garlic, zucchini, and any dried herbs youire using. Saute, stirring occasionally. A few minutes later add the spinach or chard and cook until just wilted. Mix in the tomatoes and white beans. Add water to make it the consistency you like. Flavor with parsley, fresh herbs, and black pepper. Simmer gently for 15 or 20 minutes while you cook the pasta. Cook the pasta al dente in a large pot of boiling water. Drain. In individual pasta bowls, serve pasta topped with the bean soup. If desired, top with grated Parmesan and drizzle on a little olive oil. Note: Substitute or add any fresh vegetables you like: green or red bell peppers, summer squash, green beans, etc. Also, the addition of a chopped fresh tomato at the end is nice. Use fresh, rather than dried, herbs when you can.