3Add diced onion and saute for a minute before adding Italian sausage. Cook for a minute, then add spices (ground black pepper, Italian seasoning, salt, fennel seed). Continue to cook until almost browned.
4Add carrots and celery. Saute about 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
5Stir in tomato paste. Cook for another 5 minutes, until fragrant.
6Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute.
7Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring well. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes.
8Add heavy cream, tortellini, and spinach.
9Let that cook until the tortellini is tender, about 2-3 minutes.
10Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
11Serve the soup.
Ingredients
1 lb mild Italian sausage
1 chopped yellow onion
3 chopped carrots
3 stalks chopped celery
0.5 tsp ground black pepper
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
1 tsp lightly crushed fennel seed
6 oz tomato paste
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
7 cups beef broth
20 oz cheese tortellini
2 cups heavy cream, half-and-half, or coconut cream