Pasta with Italian Sausage and Kale
A hearty and flavorful weeknight dinner combining spicy Italian sausage, tender kale, and perfectly cooked pasta. It's a rustic, satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Pasta
- b.Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil (use 1 tbsp salt).
- c.Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- d.Crucially, before draining, reserve about 1.5 cups of the starchy pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Brown the Sausage
- b.While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the Italian sausage with casings removed. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it into small crumbles.
- d.Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is well-browned and cooked through. Do not drain the rendered fat.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Wilt Kale
- b.Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent.
- c.Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- d.If using, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom with your spoon. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until it has mostly evaporated.
- e.Add the chopped kale and the chicken broth. Stir, then cover the skillet and let the kale steam for 4-5 minutes until it is wilted and tender.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Finish
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Add the drained pasta and the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet.
- c.Toss everything together thoroughly. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to start, tossing continuously to create a light, glossy sauce that coats the pasta.
- d.Continue adding splashes of pasta water as needed until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- e.Season with salt (about 1/2 tsp) and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't overcook the pasta initially; it will cook a bit more when combined with the hot sausage and kale mixture.
- 2Reserving the starchy pasta water is the secret to a restaurant-quality sauce. It emulsifies with the fat and cheese to create a silky, non-greasy coating.
- 3For a more tender result, use Lacinato (dinosaur) kale as it wilts more easily and has a less bitter flavor than curly kale.
- 4Ensure you get a good brown on the sausage. Those caramelized bits (fond) on the bottom of the pan are packed with flavor that the wine will lift into the sauce.
- 5For a crunchy topping, toast some panko breadcrumbs in a little olive oil until golden brown and sprinkle over each serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the sausage and use a 15-ounce can of cannellini beans or chickpeas (drained and rinsed). Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1/4 teaspoon of fennel seeds with the garlic to mimic the sausage flavor.
Different GreensDifferent Greens
If you don't have kale, this dish works beautifully with Swiss chard or spinach. Add spinach at the very end, as it wilts in under a minute.
Creamier SauceCreamier Sauce
For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese along with the Parmesan.
Sausage TypeSausage Type
If you prefer less heat, use mild or sweet Italian sausage instead of hot. You can also use chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Nutrient-Dense Greens
Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A, K, and C, as well as antioxidants and minerals like manganese and copper, which support overall health.
Excellent Source of Protein
Italian sausage provides a high-quality source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, maintaining muscle mass, and promoting satiety.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet and is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which are known to support heart health.
Provides Dietary Fiber
Kale is a great source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Pasta with Italian Sausage and Kale contains approximately 800-850 calories, primarily from the pasta, sausage, and olive oil. This can vary based on the specific type of sausage used.