- Heat 1 teaspoon canola oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add sausage and cook until browned, stirring constantly.
- Remove sausage from pot; set aside.
- Heat remaining 2 teaspoons canola oil in a pot.
- Add mushrooms, zucchini, and bell pepper; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add tomatoes, water, and optional pepper flakes.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes or until tomatoes are very tender.
- Break up large pieces of tomato with a spoon.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in a separate pot according to package directions, omitting any salt; drain well.
- Remove soup from heat and add remaining ingredients, except pasta and cheese.
- Spoon equal amounts of soup into 6 bowls, add pasta, and top with optional cheese.
Approximate Nutrient Analysis per serving:
145 calories, 55 calories from fat, 6 g total fat, 1.2 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 395 mg sodium, 18 g total carbohydrates, 4 g dietary fiber, 5 g sugars, 7 g protein.
