Tortellini And Meatball Soup

Step 1: Meatballs:

Step 2: Mix the sausage and bread crumbs in a bowl.

Step 3: Add salt and pepper and have ready to add to soup.

Step 4: Soup:

Step 5: Using a large soup pot, add olive oil and heat.

Step 6: Add carrots and onions and sauté until soft.

Step 7: Add garlic, stirring constantly for one minute.

Step 8: Add chicken broth, dried basil, and Italian seasoning to the pot.

Step 9: Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Step 10: Bring to a boil.

Step 11: Reduce to a simmer and add the meatballs, one at a time, dropping by tablespoons to the simmering broth.

Step 12: Let cook for 15 minutes.

Step 13: Add the tortellini to the simmering broth.

Step 14: Cook for 5 minutes.

Step 15: Add the red peppers and lemon juice and simmer until the tortellini are tender, about 5 more minutes.

Step 16: Remove pot from heat, stir in the spinach and fresh basil.

Step 17: Let it sit covered for a couple of minutes to allow the spinach to wilt.

Step 18: Adjust seasoning to taste.