Pasta Vegetable Chowder

1 cup Small Shells, Elbow Macaroni or other small pasta shape, uncooked
3 cups 1% milk, divided
1 10-oz. box frozen mixed vegetables, thawed and drained,
   or 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh vegetables (such as zucchini, yellow squash, corn and peas)
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. paprika
1 1/2 tbsp. cornstarch
1 6-oz. can clams, drained
Salt and pepper to taste

Prepare pasta according to package directions; drain.
Rinse pasta under cold water until cool. Drain again.

Combine 2 1/2 cups milk, vegetables, thyme, paprika and pasta in a 2-quart saucepan.
Cook over medium heat until bubbles form around the edge of the milk.

In a separate bowl, stir the remaining 1/2 cup milk and cornstarch together until cornstarch dissolves.
Stir the cornstarch mixture into soup and heat to simmering.
Add clams and simmer, stirring frequently, 3 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Serves 2-3