Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 1 lb. Italian sausage (such as Jimmy Dean)
  • 1 Tbsp. cooking oil
  • 1 small white onion (diced small)
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 3 carrots (peeled and sliced into small pieces)
  • 2 celery ribs (sliced into small pieces)
  • 14 oz. can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tsp. dried basil
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 10 oz. refrigerated style cheese tortellini (do not used dried)
  • 2 cups chopped kale (or 2 cups frozen (can use spinach))
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • red chili flakes (optional for serving)

Instruction

  • In a skillet set over medium-high heat, brown and crumble the sausage. Now add the cooking oil and saute the onions until lightly browned. Add to the slow cooker.
  • Now add the carrots, celery, tomatoes, tomato paste thyme, and basil. Pour over the chicken broth. WAIT TO ADD THE HEAVY CREAM, KALE AND TORTELINI.
  • Cover and cook on HIGH for 2.5 hours or LOW for 4 hours.
  • After the cooking time is up, add the kale, and tortellini to the crockpot. Place the lid back on and cook for an additional 30 minutes on HIGH.
  • Add the heavy cream and cook for 10 more minutes on HIGH or until soup is hot again.
  • Serve with parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.