Penne with Sausage and Kale
Indulge in the perfect balance of hearty comfort and wholesome flavor with this Penne with Sausage and Kale recipe! Featuring tender al dente penne pasta, savory Italian sausage, and nutrient-packed kale, this dish is brought together with a light, fragrant garlic and chicken broth sauce, accented by a hint of crushed red pepper for subtle heat. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese add brightness and creaminess to every bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan wonder is a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner that feels gourmet. It's the ultimate combination of easy preparation, bold flavors, and nutritional goodness—all in one irresistible pasta dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 8 oz Italian sausage
- 4 cups kale
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 lemon
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the casings from the Italian sausage, crumble it into the skillet, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Mince the garlic cloves and sauté them for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let them burn.
Add the crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir for 30 seconds. Then, add the kale and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it begins to wilt.
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the reserved sausage and cooked penne. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Season the dish with salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Stir to combine and let cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Remove the skillet from the heat and toss with grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is evenly incorporated.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2571 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 121.2 g | 155% | |
| Saturated Fat | 35.5 g | 178% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 221 mg | 74% | |
| Sodium | 4209 mg | 183% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 269.7 g | 98% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.8 g | 67% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.1 g | ||
| Protein | 107.6 g | 215% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.3 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 781 mg | 60% | |
| Iron | 18.5 mg | 103% | |
| Potassium | 2083 mg | 44% | |
*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.
