Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a mouthwatering dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? Introducing One Pot Pasta with Italian Sausage and Kale—a savory delight that combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage with the nutritious crunch of kale, all cooked to perfection in just one pot! This recipe not only saves you time on cleanup but also packs a punch of flavor that will have your family asking for seconds. With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, you can enjoy a hearty meal that’s sure to impress. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how simple ingredients can transform into a delightful feast!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Italian sausage
- Pasta
- Kale
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by removing the casings from the Italian sausage and crumbling the meat into small pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Mince the garlic cloves finely and add them to the skillet with the browned sausage. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Wash the kale thoroughly, remove the tough stems, and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the uncooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sausage and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that the liquid mostly covers the pasta.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is almost tender.
- Add the chopped kale to the skillet and stir, allowing it to wilt into the pasta. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the kale is tender and the pasta is fully cooked.
- If the mixture seems too dry, add a little more chicken broth. If too wet, cook uncovered to reduce the liquid.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes. Grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Tips
- Choose Quality Sausage: Opt for high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. You can use sweet or spicy sausage depending on your preference.
- Don’t Skimp on Garlic: The garlic adds a wonderful aroma and depth to the dish. Feel free to add more if you're a garlic lover!
- Pasta Selection: While any pasta works, shorter shapes like penne or fusilli hold onto the sauce beautifully and are easier to eat with the sausage and kale.
- Adjust the Broth: If you prefer a saucier pasta, add a bit more chicken broth as it cooks. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly!
- Kale Alternatives: If kale isn’t your favorite, spinach or Swiss chard can be great substitutes that wilt nicely into the dish.
- Finish with Freshness: For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the pasta before serving or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Make It Ahead: This dish reheats well, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep. Just store in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy it throughout the week!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 712kcal
Carbohydrates: 51g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 85mg
