Creating Million Dollar Soup is a straightforward process, perfect for any home cook. Follow these simple steps:

1. Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion softens, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Carrots and Celery: Stir in the diced carrots and chopped celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Incorporate Bell Pepper: Add the chopped bell pepper to the pot and continue to cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Pour in Broth: Add the vegetable or chicken broth, stirring well.
6. Mix in Tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice.
7. Add Frozen Veggies: Stir in the frozen corn and peas, ensuring everything is well combined.
8. Season: Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
9. Simmer: Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
10. Add Proteins: If you’re using cooked chicken or sausage, add it to the pot and heat through.
11. Add Beans: Stir in the cannellini beans and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
12. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.
13. Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoying this soup is as easy as preparing it. You’ll find that following these steps yields a deliciously satisfying dish that everyone will love.