Hearty Meatless Minestrone

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 1 cup chopped cabbage
• 1 medium green pepper, chopped
• 1 medium zucchini, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 3-1/2 cups water
• 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato puree
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup small pasta shells
• Fresh basil leaves and shaved Parmesan cheese, optional