Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup

Ingredients

Serves: 6

• 1 pound Italian or spicy sausage
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup onion diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 3 large carrots sliced thin
• 2 celery stalks sliced thin
• 1 14 ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 sprig fresh thyme leaves removed and minced finely or 1/2 teaspoon dried 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 10 ounce bag refrigerated tortellini not dried
• 1 bunch kale stems removed and chopped lightly or 1/2 bag frozen chopped kale
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese optional (grated or sliced for serving)
• 1 tablespoon dried chili flakes

Instructions

1. In a sauté pan, cook the sausage till it is no longer pink, then place in the crock pot. Add the olive oil to the pan and cook the onions for 4 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the onions to the crockpot.
2. Next, add the carrots, celery, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, oregano and chicken broth to the crockpot.
3. Place the lid on the crockpot and set on high for 2 hours or low for 4.
4. Remove the lid and add the tortellini and kale to the crockpot. Place the lid back on and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
5. Add heavy cream and cook for another 10 minutes.
6. Serve each bowl of soup with a few thin slices of parmesan and a sprinkle of chili flakes.
7. ENJOY!