I had something totally different in mind to make for dinner tonight. I got up all excited about putting it together into the crock pot. As I was assembling the ingredients I realized I was out of two of the spices that I needed and it wasn't a grocery store day for me. Hate it when that happens. I do have a few stand by recipes that are super easy to throw together and usually always have the ingredients on hand. This soup is one of them. This is one of my creations that I've been making for a long time. It is very filling but also healthy too. I use whatever veggies I have on hand that are fresh or frozen and the soup always turns out great. This is a great way to get my kids to eat their veggies, they seem to always gobble it up. I paired this tonight with some homemade herb and cheese focaccia bread that I created and will be posting tomorrow.

Tortellini & Kielbasa Soup

1 Fully Cooked Lean Turkey Kielbasa link, sliced (I love the Jennie-O Brand)
4 (14 oz) cans Swanson chicken broth
4 large carrots peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium zucchini, chopped
1 medium squash, chopped
2 cups frozen peas and carrots blend
1 package (9 oz) Buitoni Whole Wheat Cheese Tortellini or regular Cheese Tortellini
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. dried parsley
salt and pepper to taste

Pour the chicken broth into a large stockpot over medium high heat. Once it comes to a boil, add the carrots. Boil carrots for about 5 minutes then add the zucchini and squash. Let simmer until the veggies are tender another 5 minutes. Add the frozen veggies, tortellini, kielbasa, and seasonings. Bring back to a simmer for about 5 minutes or so until the tortellini is cooked and puffed at the surface.


Some of the chopped veggies.

Soup simmering away.

Ellie & Emma's Plates looked like this. It's hard for them to eat soup so I just drain off the liquid for them.

Here is a sneak peak at my Focaccia Bread!