Sausage, Tomato and Tortellini Soup

Makes 8-9 cups
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 16 to 18 min.

Ingredients1 package Regular Flavor Pork Sausage
1 teaspoon ground fennel
3 cups water or stock
1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce
1 can (15 oz.) diced tomatoes with Italian herbs and garlic
9 or 10 ounces purchased fresh cheese tortellini
1-1/2 cups thinly sliced, quartered yellow squash
salt and pepper to taste
3 Tablespoons chopped fresh basil, or 1 tablespoon dried (optional)
grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)

Directions1) Spoon 1" chunks of sausage into a 4 to 6 quart non-stick pot.
2) Cook sausage and ground fennel over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until meat is lightly browned and no longer pink.
3) Stir in stock, tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.
4) Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
5 ) Raise heat to high, stir in tortellini and squash.
6) When liquid returns to a boil, stir once, add basil if desired; reduce heat to medium-low.
7) Cover and cook until pasta is just tender, for about 6 to 8 minutes.
8) Season to taste; garnish with Parmesan and parsley.