Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup

Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup

1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or spicy depending on your preference) - I actually use the ground sausage in the tube. My favorite is the "Sage" flavor.
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
5 cups beef stock
1/3 cup water
1/2 cup red wine
28 oz. can peeled tomatoes, chopped
4 carrots, chopped
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
8 oz. can tomato sauce
3 zucchini, chopped
8 ounces cheese tortellini (I use whole wheat)
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 tbs. chopped fresh parsley
Grated parmesan cheese for topping

Brown the sausage in a large pot. Drain all the grease except for 1 tablespoon, then add the onions and garlic and saute for 5 more minutes.

Add the beef stock, water, wine, tomatoes, carrots, basil, oregano and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 30 minutes.

Add the zucchini, tortellini, green bell pepper and parsley. Simmer until tortellini is cooked (about 8-10 minutes). Serve in bowls topped with grated parmesan cheese.
Here's the pasta I use -




Parents Review: This soup is just perfect in the comfort food/full of veggies, grains and protein so you can feel good about it, kind of way. We LOVE it.
Kids Review: Sometimes they like it, and sometimes they snub. Tonight, Baby Boy ate a few bites and Little Girl ate the tortellini, the sausage and the carrots. No zuchinni for her.

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