Zuppa Italiano

This is a recipe I came up with one cold, rainy Sunday. My roommate ate 4 bowls of this because he liked it so much. It's hearty and flavorful. Well worth the time to make!

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  onion, chopped
• 3  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  carrot, peeled & chopped
• 1  stalk celery, chopped
• 1  lb mild Italian sausage
• 2  teaspoons dried oregano
• 1  tablespoon dried basil
• 1  teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1 (14 1/2ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 4  cups chicken broth
• 2 (15 ounce) cans cannellini beans, with juice
• 2  cups  frozen cheese tortellini
•  parsley
•  parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large, heavy stew pot on medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook til soft.
3. Add carrots, celery & garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes.
4. Remove veggies from the pot to a bowl & set aside.
5. Add sausage to the pot. Crumble and cook till brown. Drain off grease.
6. Add sausage & veggies back to the pot.
7. Add oregano, basil, pepper flakes & salt. Stir to coat well with spices.
8. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth and beans.
9. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat & simmer for about an hour.
10. Add the tortellini and simmer for 10-15 minutes or till tortellini is done.
11. Serve with parsley and parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.