
Italian Sausage and Kale One-Pot Pasta Recipe
This Italian Sausage and Kale One-Pot Pasta is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of savory Italian sausage and nutritious kale makes for a delicious and balanced meal. Plus, everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or any short pasta)
- 4 cups kale, stems removed and leaves roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the Sausage:
- Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Onions and Garlic:
- Stir in the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Season:
- If you like a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes and stir to combine.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes:
- Pour in the chicken broth and canned tomatoes with their juice. Stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add Pasta and Kale:
- Add the pasta and kale to the pot. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the kale is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese:
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and the cheese has melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Enjoy!
- Enjoy your delicious and comforting Italian Sausage and Kale One-Pot Pasta!
Tips:
- Substitute Greens: If you’re not a fan of kale, you can substitute with spinach or Swiss chard.
- Pasta Options: Feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- Add Veggies: You can add other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for more texture and flavor.
- Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
This recipe is not only easy and quick but also packed with flavors that will make it a favorite in your household. Enjoy your meal!