Acini de Pepe Bean Soup (Private Selection Pasta Recipe)

This was from the back of a package of Acini de Pepe pasta and it looks very good.  I used the pasta  one time when I couldn't find the star pasta for my Star Vegetable Soup.  This recipe looks really good!  Certainly worth a try!

8 oz (1/2 pkg) Private Selection Acini de Pepe Pasta
15 oz can Kidney Beans
4 strips Bacon, cooked and chopped
1 Celery Stalk, chopped
1 sm Onion, peeled and chopped
1 clove Garlic, crushed
1 T Parsley, chopped
1 t Basil
28 oz can Chopped Tomatoes, drained
6 c Water
1 Chicken Bouillon Cube
Salt & Pepper

Place kidney beans, bacon, celery, onion, garlic, Parsley, Basil, Tomatoes and Water in large pan.
Bring to a boil and add bouillon cube and salt and pepper to taste.
Cover and cook over slow heat for 1 1/2 hours.
Raise heat and add Private Selection Acini de Pepe, stirring well.
Stir frequently until pasta is cooked but still firm, about 6 minutes.
Serve immediately.

Serves 4-6 generously.

Star Vegetable Soup (SO GOOD!!)

Found this on the back of a package of Private Selection brand Stars Pasta (which I found at Kroger store I believe) and it is SO GOOD!!!!   I have made this for church dinners and to send to people who are recovering after being in the hospital and all just loved it!   Yummers!

8 oz (1/2 pkg) Private Selection Stars Pasta
1 lb Ground Beef
1-10 oz pkg Frozen Mixed Veggies
4 c Tomato Juice (I use low sodium V-8 Juice or the spicy V-8 juice)
4 c Water
2 T Beef Flavored Instant Bouillon
1 t Basil Leaves
1 t Marjoram Leaves, Crushed
1 t Salt
1/2 t Black Pepper
1/4 t Garlic Powder
Parmesan Cheese, grated (opt)

In a large soup pot, brown ground beef and drain.
Stir in next 9 ingredients.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, simmer 30 minutes.
Add Private Selection Stars and simmer another 7 minutes.
Serve with Parmesan Cheese.
Serves 6-8 generously.