Tomato Pasta Soup w/ Sausage

I've made tomato soups before, but never found one that I liked to make twice. This one is a winner in my kitchen! I accidentally sliced the carrots thin the 1st time instead of mincing them. But it added a nice little texture in the soup.. so I would probably make it like that again. However, if you have little children that might not eat the carrots, mince them and they would never know they were eating these healthy veggies! Enjoy. : )


Ingredients:
1 cup EACH minced celery, carrot and onion (basically a couple stalks each, and one med. onion)
2 Tbl EVOO
6 cups VEGETABLE broth (Swanson's makes this)
28-oz can tomato puree (name brand..it tastes better) 2 cups ditalini pasta
salt & pepper, garlic powder
1/2 cup grated parmesan
2 or 3 Johnsonville mild sausage (cut in slices *like hot dogs* and fried separately in a little EVOO)

In large pot, cook veggies in EVOO until tender. 
Add cooked sausage
Add broth and tomato puree; bring to boil
Add pasta and cook to al dente; season w salt & pepper and garlic powder to taste 
Serve sprinkled w cheese. Serves 4-5 (depending on how hungry you are)

You can always add more broth at the end if you want it soupier.