Penne with Spicy Sausage and Chard
Indulge in a comforting plate of Penne with Spicy Sausage and Chard, a hearty, flavor-packed pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. This recipe combines tender al dente penne with savory, crumbled spicy Italian sausage and nutrient-rich Swiss chard for a balance of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Sautéed onions, garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes add depth to a vibrant crushed tomato sauce, while grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil offer the perfect finishing touch. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy pasta recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or crusty bread. Bursting with spice, earthiness, and a touch of Italian flair, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces spicy Italian sausage
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 whole garlic cloves
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1 bunch swiss chard
- 14 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Remove the casings from the spicy Italian sausage and cook the sausage in the hot skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Mince the garlic cloves and add them along with the red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Wash and trim the chard, separating the stems from the leaves. Chop both the stems and leaves, keeping them separate. Add the chopped chard stems to the skillet first and cook for 2-3 minutes. Then, add the chard leaves and cook until wilted, about 2 more minutes.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it thoroughly in the sauce. Stir in half of the grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with the remaining parmesan cheese and additional basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
472 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.1 g | 31% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.0 g | 40% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 56 mg | 19% | |
| Sodium | 1560 mg | 68% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40.9 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.7 g | ||
| Protein | 23.7 g | 47% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 198 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 3.3 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 585 mg | 12% | |
*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.
