Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage and Kale

Ingredients

• 1 lb Mild italian sausage, ground
• 1 Onion, minced
• 6 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 quart Chicken stock
• 1 (14 oz can) Crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 Bunch kale, stems removed
• 1 (10 oz) bag Tortellini, fresh (not dried)
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• ¼ tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sausage, onions and garlic to the pot and and sauté until the onions are soft an translucent, about 5 minutes. (Drain off any excessive fat.)
3. Add the chicken stock, crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Whisk until tomato paste is fully incorporated.
4. Bring to a boil, season with salt then simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Add the kale, tortellini and heavy cream.
6. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the kale is wilted and the pasta is tender.
7. Serve with parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired.