Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale

Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale by the Modern Proper 

Note: Serves 6 and all these ingredients can be found at Aldi!

Ingredients

• 1 pound mild italian sausage, ground or casing removed

• 1 medium yellow onion, minced

• 6 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 quart chicken stock

• 1 (14-ounce can) crushed tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 1 bunch curly kale, stemmed and roughly torn

• 10 ounces fresh tortellini

• 1 cup heavy cream

• Parmesan cheese, grated for serving (optional)

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, for serving (optional)

Method

1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, onions, and garlic and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Drain off any excessive fat.

2. Whisk in the chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste until fully incorporated. Bring to a boil and add the salt, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until slightly reduced, about 15 minutes. Stir in the kale, tortellini, and cream. Cook until the kale is wilted and the pasta is tender, 3-5 minutes. 

3. Ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle with Parmesan and red pepper flakes, if desired, before serving.