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Description
A hearty and flavorful soup featuring Italian sausage, tortellini, and kale in a creamy, subtly spiced broth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 2 cups refrigerated or frozen tortellini (just under 10 oz.)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- If using sausage links, remove the casings. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook and crumble the ground Italian sausage and diced onion over medium-high heat until the sausage is cooked through and the onions are softened, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the sausage and onion mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.
- Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), hot sauce, mustard powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth and use a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot, loosening any browned bits.
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Add the chopped kale and tortellini to the simmering soup. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or according to the package directions for the tortellini. If your tortellini needs a longer cooking time, add the tortellini first and then the kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Taste the soup and add salt as needed. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more to your preference.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately.
Notes
- Subtle Spices: The mustard powder and hot sauce add a subtle depth of flavor that enhances the other ingredients. Don’t be afraid to add them even if you’re sensitive to spice!
- Tortellini Cooking Time: Adjust cooking time based on your tortellini package instructions.
- Serving Suggestion: This soup is delicious with a side of garlic bread, such as Garlic Bread with Cheese.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: Italian-American