1lb.spicy Italian sausageor ground turkey or chicken to cut calories & fat
1/2green bell pepper
3cans diced tomatoesI like the petite diced tomatoes
6-7c.beef or chicken brothI used beef base & water
1 26-28oz.jar spaghetti sauceClassico is my favorite brand
1T.black pepper
1T.salt
2T.parsleyfresh or dried
1t.thyme
1T.Italian seasoning
1c.fresh or frozen spinach
2packages frozen tortellini pastaI used 2 bags that were each 12 oz.--I would have added even a few more if I had them in the freezer
1c.Parmesan cheesegrated (I added 3/4 c. into the soup and the rest for garnishing on each serving)
Instructions
Saute the sausage, onions, carrots, mushrooms and celery together until the meat is cooked and the vegetables are tender. Add the zucchini and the bell pepper and saute until they have also become soft, but not mushy. Add the seasonings to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes, spaghetti sauce and beef/chicken broth. Stir soup and simmer on low for 20-30 minutes, or until soup flavors begin to come together. Add the tortellini pasta to the soup along with the spinach. Simmer on medium heat until the pasta is tender and cooked through and the spinach has become wilted, about 10 minutes. Add most of the Parmesan cheese to the soup and stir. Remove from heat and serve. Garnish each bowl with more grated cheese and extra parsley.