Karen's Tortellini Soup

I originally found this on AllRecipes.com and modified it to meet with my family's preferences. My daughter, who is one of the fussiest people I know, even likes this (although she does manage to avoid getting any chunks of vegetables in her bowl). We like it hot, but you can cool the heat by using sweet sausage and not adding the dried chilis. If you can find them use the mini tortellini.

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 10

Ingredients

• 1  lb hot Italian sausage
• 1  large onion, chopped
• 4  cloves garlic, minced
• 5  cups beef broth
• 1  cup water
• 1  cup  sliced carrot
• 1 (2 cup) can diced tomatoes
• 1  teaspoon dried basil
• 1  teaspoon dried oregano
• 1  teaspoon  dried chili
• 2  teaspoons dried parsley
• 3  ounces tomato paste
• 1  zucchini, chopped
• 1  green pepper, chopped
• 1  red pepper, chopped
• 1 (8 ounce) package  frozen  cheese tortellini

Directions

1. Remove sausage meat from casing and brown in large pot until crumbly; remove meat and reserve 1 T of drippings.
2. With drippings, cook onion until tender, then add broth, water, carrots, tomatoes (with juice), basil, oregano, chilies, tomato paste and cooked sausage; bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30- 45 minutes.
3. Add zucchini, peppers, parsley, garlic and tortellini; simmer for another 30- 45 minutes.
4. Serve with fresh parmesan sprinkled on top if desired.