1 lb. Italian sausage
1 c. chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
5 c. beef broth
1/2 c. water
8 oz. fresh tortellini pasta
1 c. sliced carrots
2 c. stewed tomatoes
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
8 oz. tomato sauce
1 1/2 c. sliced zucchini
2 green bell peppers, seeded and cubed
3 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

Remove casings from sausage. Brown sausage and cook until crumbly. Remove meat from pot. Reserve 1 tablespoon drippings.

Cook onion and garlic in the drippings until tender. Add broth, water, carrots, tomatoes, basil, oregano, tomato sauce and the cooked sausage. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered 30 minutes. Add zucchini, green peppers, parsley and tortellini. Simmer another 25 minutes, covered, for fresh tortellini, or 45 minutes, covered, for frozen tortellini. Serve with fresh Parmesan cheese sprinkled over the top.