Spicy Tomato Soup

This is truly fast and easy. I usually double this to feed three guys plus little ol’ me. Want meat? Add chicken or sausage.

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup diced carrots

1 small onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 (26-ounce) jar marinara or other tomato sauce

4 cups chicken broth

1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup pasta of your choice—e.g., elbows, gemelli, rotelle, ditalini

Optional garnishes: Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley

Heat the olive oil in a soup pot on medium. Add the carrots, onion, and garlic, and cook until soft. Add the marinara, broth, beans, and seasonings, and heat to simmer. Add the pasta, and cook until the pasta is done. Top with garnishes as desired.

Some of these ingredients are a little shy. I'm talking to you, cannellini beans, chicken broth concentrate, and minced garlic. Stop hiding.