1-First Step: Prepare and Cook the Sausage Begin by removing casings from 1 pound of ground Italian sausage if they are present. Place the sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat along with 1 diced small yellow onion. Cook and crumble the sausage until the onions soften and the meat is fully browned, which takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.

2-Second Step: Add Garlic and Flour After draining, add 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot and stir for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. This step infuses the mixture with a fresh aroma. Next, sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to eliminate the raw flour taste and help thicken the soup later.

3-Third Step: Incorporate Seasonings and Broth Now, stir in 1 teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon oregano, 1 pinch cayenne if you like spice, 1 teaspoon hot sauce, ½ teaspoon mustard powder, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and 1 pinch red pepper flakes. These seasonings blend to create the soup’s signature flavor. Pour in 5 cups of chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot, releasing any flavorful bits stuck there.

4-Fourth Step: Add Cream and Simmer Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring to combine everything smoothly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes so the flavors meld together nicely.

5-Fifth Step: Finish with Kale and Tortellini Add 2 cups of chopped kale and 2 cups of tortellini to the pot. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender. If your tortellini needs more time, add it first and put the kale in later to avoid overcooking the greens. Finally, taste the soup and add salt as needed to bring out the best flavors.

6-Final Step: Serve and Enjoy Once everything is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and serve the soup hot. This step takes just a moment, and your Sausage Tortellini Soup is ready to enjoy. Prep time is only 5 minutes, and cook time is about 25 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights.