Tortellini, Kale, Kielbasa Soup

This soup is so hearty and delicious, this soup warms your soul. My kids eat kale...because of this soup. It was on the cover of Bon Appetit about 5 or so years ago. It has been a staple in my house ever since. My mom makes this soup, my brothers make this soup, my sister in law makes this soup. You really need to make this soup.

2 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion chopped
12 ounces smoke kielbasa, sliced thinly
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 1/2 Tbsp chopped fresh thyme
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
10 cups low sodium chicken broth
4 cups chopped kale
1 15-ounce can cannellini beans (rinsed and drained)
1 9-ounce package cheese tortellini

*1 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Heat oil in a heavy soup pot over medium heat. Add next 5 ingredients, saute until vegetables are soft and kielbasa is brown, about 12 minutes. Add broth and bring to a boil. Add kale and cannellini beans. Reduce heat to low and simmer until kale is wilted, about 5 minutes. Add pasta and simmer until pasta is just tender but firm to the bite.

After ladling soup into bowls add some shredded parm.   Delicious.