Vegetable Soup With Pasta

Stove top directions:
In a large stock pot or soup pot, over medium high heat, combine butter, onion, carrots, celery and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and carrots are slightly tender. Add all the remaining ingredients, except the pasta, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 hours. Add cooked pasta within the last 15 minutes of cooking time. Adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper, to taste. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Substitute any of the vegetables listed with any of your favorites. You can also substitute cooked wild rice for the pasta for another delicious variation.

Crockpot/slow cooker directions:
In a small saucepan, over medium high heat, combine butter, onion, carrots, celery and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and carrots are slightly tender. Transfer to a large crockpot. Add all the remaining ingredients, except the pasta, and cook for 5-6 hours on high, or 7-8 hours on low. Add cooked pasta within the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper, to taste. Remove bay leaves before serving.