Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup

1 Ib Italian sausage (or Italian turkey sausage & remove casing)
1 cup yellow onion chopped
2 large garlic cloves, minced
5 cups beef broth
2 cups chopped tomatoes or 2 cans
8 oz can tomato sauce
1 lb. zucchini sliced
1 large carrot sliced
1 medium green pepper chopped
1 can small chick peas, drained and rinsed (optional)
½ apple juice
1 T. dried basil
1 T. dried oregano
20 oz package fresh Tortellini (find in refrig section by cheese)
freshly grated parmesan cheese

Saute’ Italian sausage in dutch oven, crumbling as you cook. Transfer to a large bowl. Pour off all but 1 t. drippings and add onion, garlic and saute’ until transparent, return sausage, add vegetables, broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seaonings. Simmer 10 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with Parmesan cheese.