Tortellini Soup

Tortellini Soup

1 pound mild Italian sausage

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup water

4 cups beef broth or 2 cans

1/2 cup apple juice

3 carrots, sliced

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon basil

1 teaspoon oregano

1 cup sliced zucchini

1 cup sliced yellow squash

4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

8 ounces cheese tortellini ( I add more)

fresh grated Parmesan cheese

In large soup pan, brown sausage.  Drain fat and add chopped onion and garlic and cook until tender.  Add water, broth, apple juice, carrots, tomatoes, basil, oregano, zucchini, squash and parsley.  Simmer for 30 minutes or longer.  Add tortellini 5 to 10 minutes before serving (time depends on if you are using fresh or frozen) and cook until tender, but not soggy.  Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over each serving.

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This soup is so good.  Even my kids will eat it.  I usually purchase fresh tortellini at Costco in a two pack because it is much cheaper than the normal grocery store.  I freeze one of them and save it for later.  You can also buy dry tortellini near the dry pastas at Costco. I have made this in the crock pot many times when I know I will not have a lot of time to make dinner that night.  I brown the meat in a separate pan and then add everything except the carrots, zucchini, squash and tortellini.  About 1 hour before serving, I add the vegetables and 5 minutes before serving I add the tortellini.  Bon appetit!