CHEESE TORTELLINI AND KALE SOUP

Cheese Tortellini and Kale Soup image

A steaming bowl of this hearty soup is always a welcomed dish with both my family and neighbors. I often serve it when we get together during the cold months to watch football games. I add crusty bread, sliced cheese and grapes to round out the meal. -Marlena Liimatainen, Denton, Maryland

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 1h15m

Yield 12 servings (3 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

3 Italian sausage links (4 ounces each), sliced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 cup chopped fennel bulb
4 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cartons (32 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup water
4 cups chopped fresh kale
1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini

Steps:

In a large saucepan, cook the sausage, onion, fennel, garlic, thyme and pepper flakes in oil until sausage is no longer pink; drain. Add broth and water; bring to a boil. , Stir in kale and beans; return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until kale is tender. Add tortellini; simmer, uncovered, for 7-9 minutes or until tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 180 calories, Fat 8g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 641mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges