Creamy Basil Parmesan Italian Soup Recipe 435

Steps:

• Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large Dutch oven/soup pot over medium high heat. Add chicken and cook until almost cooked through. Remove to a plate. Melt butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil in the now empty pot and heat over medium high heat. Add onions and carrots and cook, while stirring, for 4 minutes. Add 1 more tablespoon olive oil, celery, red bell peppers and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle in flour and cook, while stirring, for 3 minutes (it will be thick). Gradually stir in chicken stock followed by tomatoes, sugar, bay leaves and all remaining herbs and spices. Bring to a boil; cover, and reduce to a gentle simmer for 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are tender and chicken is completely cooked through. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth followed by heavy cream/half and half. Stir in pasta. If you would like a less "chunky" soup, stir in additional broth or cream/half and half. Garnish individual servings with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and basil (optional) and season with salt and pepper to taste.