Hearty Sausage and Tortellini Soup

I'm on a roll! Three recipes in three days. This was another invention out of what was in the fridge/freezer, and the results were great. I shared some with my neighbor, and she called me a few minutes later to tell me that this is the "best soup ever" and that she needed the recipe. So here you go.

The ingredients are simple and so is the prep. I love that it has so many vegetables. The sausage satisfies my husband, the cheese tortellini my kids, and the veggies are all for me.

2 sweet/mild italian sausages
2 T. olive oil
1 large shallot, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small zucchini, quartered lengthwise then sliced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1 can chicken broth
1 t. each basil and oregano
1 T. sugar (this cuts the acidity of the tomatoes)
1 package refrigerated cheese tortellini
3-4 cups additional water

Grill or saute the sausages in a large soup pot until browned and cooked through. Remove and cut in have lengthwise, then cut into slices. Return to the pot along with the olive oil and all of the fresh veggies. Saute the veggies for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, then put the lid on and let them steam for another 5 minutes. Then add the canned tomatoes, sauce, broth, and spices and simmer for another 10 minutes until the veggies are beginning to soften. Bring the soup to a low boil and add the tortellini. Stir in enough water to float the tortellini easily and keep it at a low boil for 10 minutes, or until the tortellini are cooked through. Add salt and pepper to taste, if desired, and serve with freshly grated parmesan and breadsticks if desired.