Ingredients

• 1 pound hot italian link sausage, casings removed
• 2 cups chopped onion
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 2 cups thinly sliced carrots
• 3 tablespoons minced garlic
• 3 (14 ounce) cans whole tomatoes, with juice
• 4 cups chicken broth or stock
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon italian seasoning (optional)
• 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cups chopped kale leaves (stems removed)
• grated parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)