Tortellini Sausage Soup

1 lbs. Italian sausage (turkey Italian sausage works great)

4 cloves pressed garlic
1 onion, diced
1/2 cup water
2 cans chicken broth
1/2 c. apple cider
1 16 oz. can diced tomatoes
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 cup sliced carrots
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
2 medium zucchini, grated
8-10 oz. pkg. Cheese tortellini ( I usually double this)
2 T. dried parsley
1. Begin cooking sausage over medium heat, stirring frequently. If your sausage is fatty, you’ll want to drain. Chop onions and garlic and add to the sausage. Continue cooking until onions are translucent and your sausage is cooked.
2. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, juice, water, chicken broth, carrots, oregano and basil. Cover and simmer for 1/2 hour.
3. Add parsley and zucchini and simmer for another 15 minutes or so.
4. Add the tortellini and cook until tender, and then serve with bread and freshly grated parmesan.

submitted by Karen Mortensen