TORTELLINI MINESTRONE

[kzart]

prep time 20 minutes   cook time 50 minutes

Ingredients:

1 1/4 pounds Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed

1 large onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

6 1/2 cups reduced sodium beef broth

1 can, 14.5 oz, diced tomatoes, undrained

2 cups thinly sliced carrots

1 cup thinly sliced celery

1 cup ketchup

1 tsp Italian seasoning

2 cups sliced zucchini

1 medium green pepper, chopped

2 cups frozen cheese tortellini

1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

in a dutch oven or large saucepan, cook the sausage, onion and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.  add the broth, tomatoes, carrots, celery, ketchup and Italian seasoning.  bring to a boil.  reduce heat; simmer, uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

add the zucchini and green pepper; cook 5 to 7 minutes longer or until green pepper is tender.  stir in tortellini and parsley.  bring to a boil.  reduce heat to medium; cook, uncovered, for 5 minutes or until tortellini is tender.  sprinkle with Parmesan cheese just before serving.