Sausage and Tortellini Soup

1 pound ground Italian sausage, hot or mild

1 small yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 Tablespoons flour

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon oregano

1 pinch cayenne, optional

1 teaspoon hot sauce

½ teaspoon mustard powder

¼ teaspoon pepper

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1 cup heavy cream

5 cups chicken broth

2 cups kale, chopped

2 cups refrigerated tortellini, just under 10 oz.

Salt/ to taste

Note: The mustard powder and hot sauce are so subtle in this soup but help enhance the other flavors, so although you may be hesitant to add them, I highly recommend it!

Remove the casings from the sausage if you purchased links. Cook and crumble the sausage and diced onions over medium-high heat until the onions are softened and the sausage is cooked through, 8-10 minutes. Drain grease. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Add basil, oregano, cayenne, hot sauce, mustard powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.

Add the chicken broth and use a silicone spatula to “clean” the bottom of the pot. Slowly stir in the heavy cream. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer.

Add the kale and tortellini and simmer for 3-5 minutes. (If your tortellini needs longer cooking time, add the tortellini first, then the kale during the last 5 minutes.)

Taste the soup and add salt if desired. Start with ¼ tsp and add more after that if needed.

Transfer to serving bowls and serve! (This is great with Garlic Bread with Cheese!