Greens N Beans Pasta with Italian Sausage
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this comforting and hearty Greens N Beans Pasta with Italian Sausage. This satisfying one-pan meal blends tender penne pasta, savory Italian sausage, creamy cannellini beans, and vibrant greens like spinach or kale into a deliciously well-rounded dish. A hint of garlic, red pepper flakes, and a splash of chicken broth create a flavorful sauce that clings to every bite. Finished with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a touch of lemon zest for brightness, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. Whether you're craving bold Italian-inspired flavors or looking to sneak in some extra greens, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser the whole family will love!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 15 oz cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 cups baby spinach or kale, chopped if needed
- 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
Lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Add the cannellini beans to the skillet, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to warm the beans.
Stir in the chopped greens and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted and tender.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss to combine, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Sprinkle the mixture with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss to ensure everything is well coated and heated through.
Serve immediately, with additional Parmesan on the side if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3464 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 157.3 g | 202% | |
| Saturated Fat | 57.2 g | 286% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 333 mg | 111% | |
| Sodium | 7811 mg | 340% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 346.6 g | 126% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 41.9 g | 150% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.6 g | ||
| Protein | 175.8 g | 352% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 1981 mg | 152% | |
| Iron | 34.0 mg | 189% | |
| Potassium | 5074 mg | 108% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
