Easy Tomato Basil Soup (I swear by this!)

This soup is a crowd favorite and super quick to make. It's perfect for the life of a college student or when you need to feed a ton of people. I make a huge pot and just eat it the rest of the week with mozzarella cheese on top and some nice bread on the side (I think it yields about 9 servings).

*1 Medium size onion, chopped
3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
18 fresh basil leaves, minced
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup butter or margarine

In large stovetop pan, sautee onions and garlic. Meanwhile, n a large saucepan, bring the tomatoes and broth to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add sauteed onions, garlic, basil and sugar. Reduce heat to low; stir in cream and butter. Cook until butter is melted.

*I added the onions and garlic to the original recipe. Also I add tons more spices, just whatever I have in my cupboard: Italian spices, oregano, rosemary, etc.

Parmesan Orzo Primavera

I'm a huge fan of Orzo and anything I can make in less than 20 minutes that is also healthy.

I will be making this one regularly.

Ingredients:
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) chicken broth
1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
2 1/2 cups chopped fresh vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, green onions, spinach
1/3 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

Combine chicken broth and pasta in medium saucepan. Stir in 1/3 cup water. Bring to boil. Add orzo pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer 7 minutes. Add vegetables; mix well. Cook an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in parmesan cheese.

Just so you know, I needed more water than was there to finish cooking the vegetables. I probably ended up adding an extra 1/2 c-- But I say just watch it and be aware of how it's cooking. Also, after I added the veggies I let it cook for longer than five minutes because I like my veggies a little softer.