Spinach Tortellini Soup with Turkey Sausage

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 yellow onion , diced
• 2 to 3 garlic cloves , minced
• 2 large carrots , thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1/4- cup all-purpose flour
• 6-8 cups chicken broth/stock
• 1 pack turkey sausage (slice before adding to soup)
• 1 package (12-ounces) frozen tortellini
• 1 bag (5-ounces) fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup fat free half and half (optional)

Directions

• Melt butter in a large saucepan or soup pot.
• Add onion, garlic, carrots, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook over medium-low heat for 6 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
• Whisk in flour; whisk until crumbly.
• Slowly add broth and continue to vigorously whisk until everything is well combined and there are no clumps.
• Add sliced turkey sausage.
• Bring soup to a boil.
• Add frozen tortellini and spinach.
• Continue to cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until tortellini is tender and heated through.
• Stir in cream or milk; bring back to a steady boil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until smooth and thickened.
• Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes.
• Taste for salt and pepper, and adjust accordingly.