1 pound
mild italian sausage, ground or casing removed
1
medium yellow onion, chopped
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
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.
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.
Ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle with Parmesan and red pepper flakes, if desired, before serving.