Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup with Kale

### Instructions for Making Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup with Kale:

#### Step 1: Brown the Sausage
– Heat **1 tablespoon of olive oil** in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
– Add the **Italian sausage** to the pot and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
– Once the sausage is cooked, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. If there’s excess grease, you can drain some off, but leave a little in the pot for flavor.

#### Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
– In the same pot, add a little more **olive oil** if needed, and sauté the **onion** and **garlic** over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
– Stir in the **diced tomatoes** (with juices), and cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

#### Step 3: Add the Broth and Seasonings
– Pour in the **chicken broth** and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the **Italian seasoning**, **crushed red pepper flakes**, **salt**, and **pepper** to taste.
– Once the soup is simmering, add the cooked **sausage** back into the pot and stir everything together.

#### Step 4: Add the Tortellini and Kale
– Bring the soup back to a simmer, then add the **tortellini**. Cook according to the package instructions (usually about 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini or 8-10 minutes for frozen).
– In the last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped **kale**. Let the soup simmer until the kale is tender but still vibrant green.

#### Step 5: Add the Cream and Simmer
– Once the tortellini and kale are cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the **heavy cream**. Continue stirring until the soup is creamy and heated through.
– Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed.

#### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
– Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated **Parmesan cheese** and a sprinkle of **black pepper**.
– Serve with some crusty bread or crackers on the side for dipping, and enjoy this warm, comforting bowl of goodness.

### Tips for the Perfect Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup:
– **Use fresh or frozen tortellini**: You can use fresh or frozen cheese tortellini depending on what’s available. Frozen tortellini might take a little longer to cook but will work perfectly in this soup.
– **Adjust the creaminess**: For a lighter version of this soup, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream. However, heavy cream will give you the thick and creamy texture that makes this soup so indulgent.
– **Add extra veggies**: Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
– **Make it spicier**: If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding some **red pepper flakes** or a splash of **hot sauce** when cooking the sausage.
– **Leftovers**: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, and it’s even better the next day! Reheat gently on the stove.

### Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup with Kale:
This **Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup with Kale** is the perfect combination of comfort and nutrition. The savory sausage adds depth of flavor, while the cheese-filled tortellini creates a satisfying bite. The kale not only adds a touch of color but also provides a healthy boost of fiber and vitamins. The creamy broth ties everything together into a luscious and comforting soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening.

Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or entertaining guests, this soup is sure to become a new favorite. It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and filling enough to serve as a stand-alone meal. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a light salad, and you’ve got yourself a deliciously comforting dinner that will please everyone at the table.