• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 12 oz tomato paste
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• pinch of black pepper
• 3½ cups beef broth
• ½ cup red wine
• 1 lb sweet or hot sausage links, casings removed
• 2 cups cooked cheese tortellini (undercooked by about 3 minutes)
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook Sausage

1. Brown sausage in a medium sauté pan over medium heat, about 10 minutes
2. Drain the fat from the pan and set sausage aside while assembling the soup

Assemble Soup

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot on medium-high heat
2. Add garlic cloves, bay leaves, Italian seasoning and diced onions and sauté 7 minutes, or until onions are soft and translucent
3. Add spinach and cover, cooking until spinach has wilted, stirring occasionally, about 3-5 minutes
4. Add tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Stir together
5. Season with black pepper, add broth and wine and bring to a simmer (low boil)
6. Add sausage to the pot and stir to incorporate ingredients
7. Stir in the slightly undercooked tortellini, add Parmesan cheese and cook for a few minutes more on low heat
8. Shut off heat, remove bay leaves, and allow the soup to rest a few minutes before serving
9. Great served with good-quality, crusty bread