Pasta with Italian Sausage and Kale

1. 1
   boil · ~10 min

   Boil the pasta.

   1.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.

   2.Add salt and cook pasta until al dente, about 9-10 minutes.

   3.Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

   4.Drain pasta and set aside.

   TIPSalt the pasta water generously — it's the only chance to season the pasta itself.
2. 2
   saute · ~7 min

   Brown the Italian sausage.

   1.Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

   2.Remove sausage casings and crumble the meat into the pan.

   3.Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until deeply browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. 3
   saute · ~5 min

   Sauté the garlic and kale.

   1.Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet.

   2.Cook until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds.

   3.Add chopped kale in handfuls, stirring until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.

   TIPDon't burn the garlic — it turns bitter fast. Medium heat is enough.
4. 4
   mix · ~3 min

   Combine pasta with the sauce.

   1.Pour the heavy cream and reserved pasta water into the skillet.

   2.Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

   3.Add the drained pasta and toss to coat everything evenly.

   4.Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
5. 5
   garnish · ~1 min

   Finish with parmesan and lemon.

   1.Remove from heat and stir in grated parmesan cheese and lemon juice.

   2.Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

   3.Serve immediately in warm bowls with extra parmesan on the side.

   TIPFinishing with a squeeze of lemon brightens the whole dish — don't skip it.

Cuisines we love