Karen's Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup

My pal Karen in New Canaan, CT is the best cook I know. She says this soup is great, especially on a cold winter night. It looks impressive, and yet doesn't take much time at all. Put a pot on the stove and go clean a closet. Or something.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes, total
Serves 12

1 lb. Italian sausage
1 c. chopped onion (frozen, good shortcut)
2 cloves garlic, minced (in the jar, already done!)
3 - 133/4 oz. cans beef broth
1/2 c. red wine
1 - 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 - 28 oz. can peeled tomatoes, cut up
1 - 15 oz. can tomato sauce
1 c. sliced carrots
1/2 t. dried basil
1/2 t. dried oregano
1 T. parsely flakes
1 c. sliced zucchini
9 oz. package of fresh, cheese-filled tortellini
1 med. green pepper, chopped
Parmesan cheese

Remove casings from sausage, brown over medium heat. Remove from pan, add in onion and garlic for 10 minutes. Add back in the cooked sausage, remaining ingredients except tortellini and green pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, about 30 minutes. Stir in tortellini and green pepper. Cover and simmer 20-25 minutes until the pasta is tender. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.