Sausage Tortellini Soup

On a difficulty scale of 1 to 10, I'd rate this soup a zero. But, please don't think that is in any way indicative of the taste! Oh what a soup! Delicious, yummy, flavorful, filling! Easy BEYOND easy to make....a mom's dream dinner, right!? My friend, Gina, over at Hyphenista, shared her wonderful recipe with me....and now, I am sharing it with you! Make this soon, make it often and serve it with a good crusty bread! Enjoy!

1 Tbl olive oil

1 lb mild Italian sausage (you can also use chicken sausage)

5 cups beef broth

1 jar good quality marinara sauce (I used a 24oz jar of Rao's Marinara)

1 14 oz can diced tomatoes

1/2 - 3/4 cup red wine

Spinach (I used 1/2 of a 9 oz bag; I chopped it before adding it to the soup. You can also use frozen spinach)

1 9oz package of fresh tortellini

Good quality Parmesan cheese, shredded

The cast of characters

Coat the bottom of a large soup pot with olive oil.  Remove the sausage from it's casings (or save yourself this step and buy bulk sausage) and crumble into the pot.  Saute the sausage over medium heat, continuing to break it apart into small crumbles with a wooden spoon.

Once the sausage is cooked, add the beef broth, marinara, tomatoes, wine, and spinach.  Mix well and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer.  Stir in tortellinis, continue to simmer until they are cooked through.  

Serve with shredded Parmesan. Is that simple or what!?