Zuppa Toscana

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons bacon grease or olive oil
• 1 pound ground sweet Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 bag (8 ounces) spinach, stems removed
• 1 bag (19 ounces) frozen cheese tortellini
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage in bacon grease or oil.
2. Add in the onion and cook until tender.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
4. Add the broth and cook on medium-high heat until it reaches a boil.
5. Stir in the spinach and tortellini, cooking until the greens are wilted and the pasta is done.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and return to a boil.
7. Reduce heat to low, add seasonings and stir until combined.
8. Serve hot; garnish with parmesan cheese if desired.

The recipe I loosely followed for this delicious soup can be found here.