Starla's Minestrone with Turkey

INGREDIENTS  
1 medium onion, chopped 
1 medium carrot, sliced 
1 celery rib, sliced 
1 tablespoon olive oil 
1 garlic clove, minced 
4 cups chicken broth or homemade turkey stock 
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained 
2/3 cup each frozen peas, corn and cut green beans, thawed 
1/2 cup uncooked elbow macaroni 
1 teaspoon salt 
1/4 teaspoon dried basil 
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano 
1/4 teaspoon pepper 
1 bay leaf

1 cup cubed cooked turkey 
1 small zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4-inch slices 
 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional

DIRECTIONS 
 In a Dutch oven, saute the onion, carrot, celery and garlic in oil until tender. Add the broth, vegetables, macaroni and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Add turkey and zucchini; cook until zucchini is crisp-tender. Discard bay leaf. Serve with Parmesan cheese if desired. Yield: 6 servings (2 quarts).

-Starla Davis