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FAST FIX

ITALIAN SAUSAGE & ZUCCHINI SOUP

Everyone in my family enjoys this soup. Sometimes I use mini farfalle in this soup because my grandchildren say it looks like tiny butterflies. The recipe also works in a slow cooker.

—NANCY MURPHY MOUNT DORA, FL



START TO FINISH: 30 MIN. • MAKES: 6 SERVINGS


1/2 pound bulk Italian sausage

1 medium onion, chopped

1 medium green pepper, chopped

3 cups beef broth

1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrainded

1 tablespoon minced fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil

1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1/2 cup uncooked orzo pasta

1. In a large saucepan, cook sausage, onion and pepper over medium heat 4-6 minutes or until the sausage is no longer pink and vegetables are tender, breaking up sausage into crumbles; drain sausage mixture.

2. Add the broth, tomatoes, basil and parsley; bring the mix to a boil. Stir in the zucchini and orzo; return to a boil. Cook, covered, 10-12 minutes or until zucchini and orzo are tender.