This soup is a husband approved favorite! I use sweet Italian sausage bc (according to hubs) spicy Italian sausage is greasy & leaves too much oil in the soup. I then add lots (and I do mean lots) of red pepper flakes, 1.5 tablespoons atleast (usually way more). I use a cup less water than it calls for, but still the same amount of better than bullion, as hubs doesn't like too much broth and that ensures there's lots of sausage and tortellini in each bite. (Thats 5 cups water, 4 tsp chicken base, 2 tsp beef base. But I have made it with just 6 tsp chicken base when I ran out of beef, it was all good) It comes together quick & easy and would be a great recipe to start out with. I use the whole 19oz bag of frozen tortellini (tried less, hubs protests). I also crush the fire roasted tomatoes further (hubs doesn't like the chunks). If you're feeling frisky, add a splash of heavy cream in the bowl, its so lux.
