Quick Soup Formula

So, in general, I am not a soup lover at all. But every single time I use this recipe (formula) I LOVE how it turns out. Makes for a really, really good dinner and it's easy and quick.
So here goes:

2 T vegetable oil or olive oil
1 med. onion, chopped
1 lb. protein (your choice of chicken, Italian sausage, kielbasa, ham, pork, fish, shrimp, scallops)
Starch (your choice of pound potatoes (cubes), 2 c black beans, white beans, chickpeas, hominy, 4 oz egg noodles or 13 c long-grain rice or orzo-uncooked)
1 c fresh or canned tomatoes
32 oz chicken broth, canned or in a ctn. (also bouillon cubes, 4 plus 32 oz water)
herb or spice, your choice
salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil in a soup kettle. Add onions; saute to soften slightly, about 2 minutes. Add remaining veggies, protein, starch, tomatoes, broth, and herb or spice (if using pork tenderloin, shrimp or scallops, add in the last 5 minutes of cooking). Partially cover and simmer until veggies are tender and flavors are blended, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serves 4. Serve with salad and good bread.