Creamy Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Kale – A Cozy 30-Minute Meal

🕒 Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 20 min | Total Time: 30 min

Ingredients:

For the Soup Base:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the Broth:

• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (3-inch) Parmesan rind (optional)

For the Tortellini:

• 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated three-cheese tortellini

For the Greens:

• ½ bunch kale, stems removed and chopped

For Creaminess:

• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• 3 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

For Garnish:

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions (Detailed):

1. Heat the Oil
In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, warm the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.

2. Cook the Sausage
Add the Italian sausage and brown it for 3–5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Sauté Aromatics
Stir in garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning. Cook 2–3 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant. Season with salt and pepper 🧂.

4. Add Flour
Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This helps thicken the soup base.

5. Create the Broth
Pour in the chicken stock and tomato sauce. Toss in the Parmesan rind if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Add Tortellini
Add the tortellini and cover the pot. Let cook for 5–7 minutes until the pasta is tender. 🍴

7. Wilt the Kale
Stir in chopped kale and let it cook until wilted (about 1–2 minutes).

8. Finish with Cream & Herbs
Add the heavy cream and chopped basil. Stir and heat for 1 minute. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy this cozy bowl of creamy tortellini goodness! 😋

Pro Tips:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tortellini may soak up liquid, so add a splash of broth when reheating.
• Make it lighter: Use turkey sausage and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Cheese boost: Top each bowl with shredded Parmesan for extra flavor.

Nutrition Info Table + Disclaimer:

Disclaimer:
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.