Savory Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cups chopped kale (stems removed)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for creamier soup)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Cook the Sausage:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart into small pieces with a spoon. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside, leaving any drippings in the pot.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Build the Soup Base:
- Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), and tomato paste. Stir to combine. Add the dried basil and oregano. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Add the Tortellini and Kale:
- Stir in the tortellini and kale. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and the kale has wilted. If using frozen tortellini, allow for additional cooking time according to package directions.
- Finish the Soup:
- Stir the cooked sausage back into the pot. If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream at this point. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to warm through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 22g