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A close-up of a rustic white plate filled with vibrant green kale and golden-brown sausage slices mixed with al dente pasta. The dish is garnished with freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, with steam gently rising, highlighting the hearty and colorful ingredients.

Sausage and Kale Pasta

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Sausage and Kale Pasta is a hearty and nutritious one-pot dinner that combines flavorful Italian sausage, nutrient-rich kale, and perfectly cooked pasta. This easy weeknight meal offers a delicious blend of spices and fresh greens, making it an ideal choice for quick, satisfying, and wholesome dining. Perfect for busy evenings, this dish requires minimal cleanup and can be customized with your favorite pasta and spice levels.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
  • 1 lb (450 g) of Italian sausage (mild or spicy, according to preference)
  • 4 cups of chopped kale (stems removed)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 cup of chicken broth or vegetable stock
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients and prepare by chopping kale, dicing onion, and mincing garlic.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Meanwhile, cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
  5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet with kale and aromatics, then stir in sausage, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. If dry, add reserved pasta water. Cook for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes. Pair with side salad and crusty bread if desired.

Notes

  • Feel free to substitute with gluten-free or whole-wheat pasta for added nutrition.
  • Adjust spice level with more red pepper flakes or hot sauce according to taste.
  • For vegetarian version, replace sausage with sautéed vegetables or plant-based substitutes.
  • Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Omnivore

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 580 Kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg