MARY'S ITALIAN SAUSAGE SOUP

Steps:

• 1. In a soup-pot break up and brown Italian Sausage over medium-high heat.
• 2. Add chopped onion, sliced celery, sliced carrots, and garlic. Cook and stir until lightly softened.
• 3. Add tomatoes in their juice. Rinse cans with about 1/2 cup water collecting as much of the remaining juice as possible and add to the pot.
• 4. Add chicken broth and seasonings. Taste checking for flavor. Add more red pepper flakes for additional heat.
• 5. Cover, turning heat to simmer, let cook 45 minutes. It's ok if it boils. Check for flavor at end of 45 minutes.
• 6. Add pasta, cover and cook additional 15 minutes. Less if you want the pasta al dente.
• 7. Serve in soup bowls topped with Parmesan cheese.