Simple Sausage-Tortellini Soup

I wanted something simple tonight.  Dinner was late, I was hungry, and I could tell it was going to be a heartburn kind of night.  So I made up this recipe and it - along with a nice baguette - hit the spot.

Ingredients
1 pound sweet Italian sausage
2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
2 (28 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
4-6 cups chicken broth (make it as thick as you like it)
15-20 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
1 large package cheese tortellini
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Directions
Brown the sausage in a large soup pot.  Drain the fat and return the sausage to the pot.  Add the garlic and the tomatoes.  Cook over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until bubbling and hot.  Add the chicken broth and basil and bring to a boil.  Add the tortellini and cook according to the package directions.  Serve with freshly grated cheese and a crusty baguette.

Hint:  Wait until the broth is heating before you slice the basil.  This will prevent the edges from turning dark.

To snazz this up a little bit, chop some onion and celery and cook it with the sausage.  Replacing the basil with chopped baby spinach gives it a different twist.  You can also add a little crushed red pepper and a splash of red wine if it won't send you and your 24 week pregnant belly running for a bottle of Tums.