italian sausage and tortellini soup

the other day i posted my recipe for homemade chicken broth. this is a perfect recipe to use it for!

italian sausage and tortellini soup
from http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/10/tortellini-sausage-soup/

2 links al fresco Italian chicken sausage (you can use raw sausage if you would like- this is what i had on hand)
2 cloves pressed garlic
1/2 onion, diced
½ c. water
4 cups chicken broth
½ c. apple cider
1 16-oz. can stewed tomatoes
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 c. shredded carrots
3 basil leaves
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 medium zucchini, grated
2 cups frozen cheese tortellini
1/4 cup half and half

Remove casing from chicken sausage by using a knife to cut a slit down one side of the sausage and then peel back the casing.and cut into tiny pieces. Add to large saucepan. (If you’re using raw link sausage, remove the casings and crumble into a large saucepan)

Chop onion and add to pot with garlic and a drizzle of olive oil. Continue cooking until onions are translucent and your sausage is warmed/cooked.

Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, cider, water, chicken broth, carrots, oregano and basil. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Add zucchini and simmer for another 15 minutes or so. Add the half and half and tortellini and cook until tender- about 10 minutes more.