Spring is just around the corner, and that makes this the perfect time to start working on getting your health back on track for the warm, breezy months ahead. Start with this delicious, zesty, heart-healthy soup that will fill you up without adding excess calories to your meal.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 oz dry elbow macaroni (I like Ronzoni Smart Taste)
• 1 1/2 cups onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp light butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 1/2 cups fat free low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup fat free milk
• pinch nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp dry mustard
• salt and fresh pepper to taste
• 2 cups (about 10 oz) broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
• 1-1/2 cups 2% shredded sharp cheddar
• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS

1.   Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside
2.  Chop onion, carrot, celery, garlic by hand or mini food processor
3.  In a large soup pot or dutch oven, melt light butter.  Add chopped vegetables and sauté on low heat until soft, about 5 minutes.
4.  Add flour and fresh pepper to the pot and stir until smooth. Slowly add chicken broth, milk, nutmeg and dry mustard powder; whisking constantly.  Set heat to medium-high until it comes to a boil. Cover and cook on low about 10-15 minutes
5.  Add broccoli florets, parmesan cheese, and stir well. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Cook uncovered until broccoli is cooked, about 5 minutes or more to your liking.
6.  Add cheddar, mixing well until cheese melts and immediately remove from heat. Add cooked elbows and mix well, adjust salt and pepper if needed. Eat right away so the pasta doesn’t absorb all the broth.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Yield: 5 servings, Serving Size: 1 cup, Calories: 253, Fat: 9.5 g, Carb: 28 g, Fiber: 4 g, Protein: 17 g, Sodium:  590 mg, Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 ½ meat, 1 fat

Source and printer-friendly version: http://www.skinnytaste.com/