Shelly's Recipe

ITALIAN SAUSAGE SOUP

Category: Soups

1 1/4 lbs hot or sweet turkey Italian sausage
1 large onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
1 stalk celery chopped
8 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
3/4 lb sliced button mushrooms
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp dried thyme, crushed
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup uncooked small shell pasta or a 1 1/2 lb pkg refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini
2 cups bagged baby spinach leaves
2 tbsp grated fresh Parmesan or Romano cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil

Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Remove casings from sausage. Add sausage and chopped vegetables to pan, and cook about 5 minutes or until browned, stirring to crumble. Drain; return to pan.

Add next 7 ingredients and bring to a boil over high heat. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes or until pasta is done. Remove from heat; stir in spinach until wilted. Sprinkle each serving with cheese and basil.