Easy Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

Ingredients

• 1 small onion , about 1/3 cup, diced
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 medium carrot , about 1 cup, chopped
• 1 large celery stalk , about 1 cup, chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 32-oz can diced tomatoes , I usually use fire-roasted or Italian-style
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• 32 ounce carton , 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth
• water - add only as much as needed to cover vegetables
• 1/2 cup dry uncooked small shell pasta , use gluten free if necessary or leave out and add chopped potatoes or cauliflower instead**(see note about freezing)
• 1 medium zucchini , around 2/3 cups, sliced into halves or quarters
• 1/2 cup canned or cooked red kidney beans , drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup canned or cooked cannellini beans , or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1-2 cups fresh baby spinach (or kale) , chopped (optional)
• 1/2-1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar , optional but adds great flavor
• Shredded or grated Parmesan cheese , for serving
• Fresh parsley , finely chopped, for garnish (optional)
• Instant Pot , I have a 6 Quart DUO-Plus