Cozy Tortellini Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lb mild Italian pork sausage (Casings removed)
• 0.5 yellow onion (Finely chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (Finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp crushed Calabrian chili peppers
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning herb blend
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes (1 can)
• 6 cup chicken stock
• 1 Parmigiano-Reggiano rind (One 4-inch piece; optional)
• 1.5 tsp kosher salt
• 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper (Plus more for serving)
• 9 oz cheese tortellini
• 1 bunch lacinato kale (Stems removed and leaves coarsely chopped)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (Plus more for garnish)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Steps

1. 1

   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.

2. 2

   Add the sausage and cook, using a wooden spoon to break it apart, until browned, 6 to 8 minutes.

3. 3

   Add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes.

4. 4

   Add the Calabrian chili peppers and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

5. 5

   Add the crushed tomatoes. Cook, stirring often and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, until the liquid reduces slightly, about 8 minutes.

6. 6

   Add the chicken stock, Parmigiano-Reggiano rind if using, kosher salt, and black pepper.

7. 7

   Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium. Simmer partially covered, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld, about 15 minutes.

8. 8

   Add the cheese tortellini and chopped kale. Bring the soup back to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and maintain a simmer.

9. 9

   Cook partially covered until the tortellini are cooked and the kale is wilted and tender, 2 to 3 minutes.

10. 10

    Stir in the heavy cream.

11. 11

    Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and butter until incorporated.

12. 12

    Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous amount of additional grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and a few twists of black pepper.

Notes

The Parmigiano-Reggiano rind is optional. The source does not specify storage or reheating instructions.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• soup
• Italian
• fall
• creamy
• one-pot
• comfort food
• spicy