Tortellini Sausage Soup

 

Here's another great soup recipe to keep you warm in the upcoming months.  I served it with these  bread sticks and together they really hit the spot.  One of the things I love about this soup is that it warms your kitchen and has a wonderful aroma as it simmers.  Also, it has a good amount of veggies in it, including shredded zucchini.  I got my tortellini's from Costco from the refrigerated section.  In my opinion, fresh or frozen tortellini are the best, but you could also use the ones from the box.  Either way, don't let this soup pass you by without giving it a try.

Tortellini Sausage Soup

slightly modified from Our Best Bites


1/2 lb. Italian Sausage
4 cloves pressed garlic
1 onion, diced
1/2 c water
2 15-oz cans chicken broth
1/2 c. apple cider (don't leave this out!  I did once and it wasn't the same...)
1 16-oz can diced tomatoes
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
1 c. sliced carrots
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried oregano
2 medium zucchini, grated
8-10 oz. package cheese tortellini
2 TBSP. dried parsley


Begin cooking sausage over medium heat, stirring frequently.  If your sausage is pretty fatty, you'll want to drain it when it's about halfway cooked.  Meanwhile, chop onions and garlic and add to the sausage.  Continue cooking until onions are translucent and your sausage is cooked.  Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, juice, water, chicken broth, carrots, oregano, and basil.  Cover and simmer for 1/2 hour.  Add parsley and zucchini and simmer for another 15 min. or so.  Add the tortellini and cook until tender.  Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.