Tortellini Soup

This is one of my husband's favorite soups.  He loves everything about it--the garlic, the veggies, and the Italian sausage.  From Favorites Cookbook.

INGREDIENTS:
1 pound mild Italian sausage
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup water
2 (13.75 oz) cans beef broth
1/2 cup apple juice
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon oregano
1 cup sliced zucchini (optional)
4 tablespoons parsley, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
8 ounces cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
fresh grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

In large soup pan, brown sausage.  Drain fat and add chopped onion and garlic and cook until tender.  Add water, broth, juice, carrots, canned tomatoes, basil, oregano, zucchini, parsley, and green pepper.  Simmer for 30 minutes or longer.  Add tortellini 5-10 minutes before serving and cook until tender, but not soggy.  Garnish each serving with Parmesan cheese.

Note:  If you have leftovers fish out any remaining tortellini before storing it in the fridge.  Then just reheat it on the store and add fresh tortellini.