Sausage Tortellini Soup

This has become a household favorite! Easy to throw together and freezes wonderfully. We love to eat it with some fresh bread.

2 slices bacon, diced
1 onion, chopped
3/4 lb Italian sausage, browned and drained
2 T fresh basil, minced (or 2 t dried)
1/2 cup fresh parsley, minced (or 1/3 cup dried)
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 t cayenne pepper
1/4 t black pepper
8 cups beef broth
9-oz package cheese tortellini
2 cups fresh spinach leaves, torn

In a stockpot, saute bacon and onion until cooked/softened. Add cooked sausage, basil, parsley, garlic, cayenne pepper, and black pepper; stir then add beef broth. Bring to a boil and add tortellini. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add spinach and stir to wilt in.

If freezing, let it cool then place in freezer bag; lay flat to freeze. When ready to eat, thaw the soup and reheat on the stove (but do not boil).