Ingredients
-
1 pound hot Italian link sausage, casings removed
-
2 cups chopped onion
-
2 cups chopped celery
-
2 cups thinly sliced carrots
-
3 tablespoons minced garlic
-
3 (14 ounce) cans whole tomatoes, with juice
-
4 cups chicken broth or stock
-
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
-
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (optional)
-
2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
-
2 cups chopped kale leaves (stems removed)
-
grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Directions
-
Cook sausage in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; stir frequently and break up meat with a spatula into lima bean-sized pieces, until browned, about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove sausage from skillet; add to a 6-quart slow cooker.
-
Add chopped onion and celery to the same skillet; cook and stir until vegetables begin to soften, 3 to 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook, stirring, about 30 seconds.
-
Pour vegetable mixture into the slow cooker. Add tomatoes with juices; break tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Add chicken stock or broth, stir to distribute evenly, cover, and cook on Low 7 or 8 hours, or on High 3 to 4 hours.
-
About halfway through the cooking process, season with salt and pepper, and add Italian herb seasoning blend. See note.
-
About 30 minutes before serving, turn slow cooker to High, add tortellini and kale, and adjust seasoning. Cover and cook until tortellini is tender, about 30 minutes.
-
Serve warm, and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| 395 | Calories |
| 18g | Fat |
| 41g | Carbs |
| 20g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 10 | |
| Calories 395 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 18g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat 6g | 31% |
| Cholesterol 63mg | 21% |
| Sodium 862mg | 37% |
| Total Carbohydrate 41g | 15% |
| Dietary Fiber 5g | 17% |
| Total Sugars 8g | |
| Protein 20g | 40% |
| Vitamin C 24mg | 27% |
| Calcium 159mg | 12% |
| Iron 2mg | 14% |
| Potassium 713mg | 15% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
