Mixed up Taco Soup (Janae Nelson)

         MIXED UP TACO SOUP

1 ½ LBS.      sweet Italian sausage

1-3               chicken breasts, cooked and cut up

1                  med onion, chopped

1                  red pepper, chopped

2-4               garlic cloves, minced

3-14 oz         cans diced or stewed tomatoes

2-3 c.           bowtie pasta

6-7 c.            chicken broth

1 T.               sugar

Fresh basil, thyme to taste (you can use dried)

1 can               mild Ortega enchilada sauce

Dry taco seasoning mix to taste

1-2 cans          black beans or kidney beans

1 bag               frozen corn (I like sweet, white corn)

Remove casings from sausage and break into pieces.  In a big pot, brown sausage.  Drain sausage drippings.  Saute onion, pepper, garlic until tender.  Add all ingredients except for pasta and corn.  Cook for at least 25-35 minutes.  Add corn and pasta and cook until pasta is tender. 

Garnish with grated cheese, sour cream, avocado, fresh cilantro.  Serve with tortilla chips.