Tortellini Spinach and Sausage Soup

This is a recipe I found in the break room of Chapel Hill Academy when I was student teaching 7th and 8th graders back in 2005. It was winter, it was really cold, and I didn't have an oven in the basement apartment I rented. This was perfect. With salad and bread sticks I swear this soup is better than anything at Olive Garden!

Ingredients:

• 1lb ground sausage, browned. I've also used sausage patties or links browned and cut. Make sure to rinse the sausage or the soup will be oily. 
• 1 large can diced tomatoes
• garlic
• basil
• salt/pepper
• 3cans chicken broth or equivalent in water with bullion or homemade chicken stock, etc.
• 1 package frozen cheese tortellini (or dry)
• 1/2 "box" frozen spinach or about 3cups fresh

1. Combine sausage, tomatoes, seasonings, and broth in a large pot. Bring to a light boil. 
2. Add tortellini and cook to directions.
3. In last 2mins of cook time add spinach. 
4. Heat until spinach is hot and serve.