In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, warm olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook, stirring often and crumbling into small pieces, until well-browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove sausage to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
1 teaspoon olive oil, 8 ounces ground Italian sausage
Add carrots and onion to the pot. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring often.
2 medium carrots, 1/2 medium yellow onion
Add garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for another 30-60 seconds, just until fragrant.
4 cloves garlic, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Pour in about 1 cup of broth and scrape the bottom of the pot well to release any stuck-on browned bits. Add all of the remaining broth plus 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, kosher salt and black pepper
While the broth is coming to a boil, melt the butter and stir in the flour to make a quick roux. Stir this into the broth.
2 Tablespoons butter, 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
Once the broth is bubbling rapidly, add tortellini directly to it. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the pasta is tender according to package directions. Reduce heat a bit if needed; the water should simmer rapidly but not boil over.
9-10 ounces fresh cheese tortellini
When the tortellini is done, turn off the heat. Stir in the browned sausage, spinach, and cream.
2 cups fresh baby spinach, 1 cup heavy or light cream
Sample and season with extra salt and/or black pepper to taste.
Garnish with grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley or basil, as desired. Enjoy!
Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley or basil