Easy Tortellini Soup (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
02 -
1 pound bulk Italian sausage, casings discarded
03 -
3 cups quality chicken broth
04 -
1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
05 -
1 can (8 oz) rich tomato sauce
06 -
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
07 -
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
08 -
2 teaspoons dried Italian herb blend
09 -
1 piece (3-inch) Parmesan cheese rind (optional but recommended)
10 -
Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
→ Final Additions
11 -
1 package (9 oz) fresh three-cheese tortellini
12 -
½ bunch fresh kale, stems discarded and leaves roughly chopped
13 -
½ cup heavy whipping cream
14 -
3 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
15 -
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Warm the olive oil in a heavy cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in the Italian sausage and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, breaking it apart with your spoon until it's beautifully browned and fragrant. Drain any excess grease.
02 -
Transfer the browned sausage to your 6-quart slow cooker. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and the Parmesan rind if you're using it. Season generously with salt and pepper, then give everything a good stir.
03 -
Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic on low heat for 7 to 8 hours, or if you're in a hurry, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. The flavors will meld together beautifully during this time.
04 -
Remove the lid and gently stir in the tortellini, chopped kale, and heavy cream. Cover again and cook on high for another 20 to 30 minutes until the pasta is perfectly tender and the kale has wilted. Fold in the fresh basil and adjust seasoning as needed.
05 -
Ladle the hot soup into warm bowls and top each serving with a generous sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while it's steaming hot and at its absolute best.
# Notes:
01 -
This hearty soup features tender Italian sausage, pillowy cheese-filled tortellini, and nutritious kale swimming in a rich, creamy tomato broth
02 -
The Parmesan rind adds incredible depth of flavor to the broth - don't skip it if you have one available
03 -
Fresh tortellini works best for this recipe as it holds up better during the slow cooking process