Recipe of the Week -- Tortellini Minestrone Soup

It's getting to be that time of year again...ok, it's not. It's Tennessee, and it's still hot, but there is the hint of fall in the air. And so I'm beginning to itch for my fall comfort food recipes! This is one that I adapted from Southern Living.

Tortellini Minestrone Soup


1 medium onion, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 containers chicken broth (3 if you don't want to use the white wine)
3/4 cup white wine
2 cans italian seasoned diced tomatoes
1 pkg frozen green beans
1 pound Italian sausage (pork or chicken), browned and drained (I have also made it with turkey, either is good)
various seasonings--I used fresh parsley, rosemary, crushed red pepper, and italian seasoning. I also add italian seasoning, oregano, garlic powder and crushed red pepper to the meat as I browned it)
1 pkg cheese tortellini


saute onion in hot oil in a large dutch oven over medium heat 8 min or until onion is tender. add garlic, cook 1 minute. stir in chicken broth, wine and tomatoes; bring to boil over med-high heat. add green beans, meat, and seasonings. reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, 15 min. add pasta and cook 10-12 min, or until pasta is done.

I serve this with bread, salad, and tiramisu for dessert.