Italian Sausage & Kale Tortellini Soup
INGREDIENTS
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomato sauce with basil
- 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 lemon, zested
- ½ lemon juiced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 (2 inch) parmesan cheese rind, optional
- 1 (15-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 5 packed cups chopped kale
- 4-ounces Crème fraîche
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil for topping
For the Garlic Butter
- 1cup butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh garlic
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
INSTRUCTIONS
For the Soup
- Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the sausage as it cooks; drain excess fat.
- Add onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the sausage. Cook, stirring frequently until onions have become translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in chicken stock, fire-roasted tomatoes, crushed tomato sauce, parmesan rind, lemon zest, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Remove the rind and bay leaf.
- Stir in Crème fraîche, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, tortellini, and kale. Cook until tortellini is cooked and kale is wilted; about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Top with grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
For the Garlic Butter
- Combine softened butter, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese in a small bowl.
- Season with garlic powder, pepper, and paprika. Stir in parsley.
- Mix until smooth. Serve on warm bread.
