Spicy Sausage & Spinach Tortellini Soup

Spicy Sausage & Spinach Tortellini Soup

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound hot Italian sausage, casing removed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons double-concentrated tomato paste
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomato sauce with basil
• 1 (2 inch) parmesan cheese rind, optional
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 6 ounces fresh spinach
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese and basil for topping

INSTRUCTIONS

1. 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.
2. Add garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning to the sausage. Cook, stirring frequently until onions have become translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Gradually whisk in chicken stock, tomato sauce, parmesan rind if using, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Remove rind.
5. Stir in cream, tortellini, and spinach. Cook until tortellini is cooked and spinach is wilted; about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Top with grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil.