Italian Sausage And Orzo Soup Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed1 large onion, chopped1 medium carrot, chopped1 celery rib, chopped2 cartons (32 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce1 garlic clove, minced1 teaspoon dried oregano1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed1/2 teaspoon dried basil1/4 teaspoon dried thyme1/4 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed1 bay leaf3/4 cup uncooked orzo pastaGrated Parmesan cheese, optional

Preparation

In a Dutch oven coated with cooking spray, cook the sausage, onion, carrot and celery over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.

Add the broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic, seasonings and bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Stir in orzo; cook, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes or until pasta is tender. Discard bay leaf. Sprinkle servings with cheese if desired.