Easy Tortellini Soup

 A Keith & Gracie fave on a cold night

1 bulb fennel, chopped

1/2 package Costco rotisserie chicken meat (or approx 2 large chicken breast)

1 large carrot, chopped

1/2 cup Sun dried tomatoes packed in oil 

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbs Italian seasoning

Inch long piece of Parmesan rind (totally optional but adds great flavor

6 cups chicken broth

2 cups dried tortellini (we like cheese tortellini, but any sturdy pasta would be good)

1 can white beans, drained & rinsed

1 package frozen chopped spinach

Black pepper & Grated Parmesan to top 

Sauté fennel, chicken, & carrots in a large soup pot over medium heat in a drizzle of oil until browned (approx 10 min)  add tomatoes through Parmesan rind and sauté another minute  Add chicken broth & simmer x 15 min or until carrot & fennel are softened  add tortellini & simmer until cooked (another 8 min or so)  add spinach & simmer until spinach is defrosted & hot.  If using Parmesan rind, scoop it out & chop into small pieces & add back to pot  

Serve soup w pepper & cheese if desired