Creamy Kale and Pasta with Sweet Sausage: A Flavorful & Easy Weeknight Meal

Are you looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying weeknight meal? Look no further than this creamy kale and pasta with sweet sausage recipe! This dish is packed with flavor, utilizes simple ingredients, and comes together in under an hour. The sweetness of the sausage perfectly complements the earthiness of the kale, all enveloped in a creamy, comforting sauce. This is a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

## Why You’ll Love This Creamy Kale and Pasta

* **Flavorful:** The combination of sweet sausage, garlicky kale, and creamy sauce is an explosion of taste in every bite.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly simple, using readily available ingredients and straightforward techniques.
* **Quick:** From start to finish, you can have this meal on the table in about 45 minutes.
* **Versatile:** Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite pasta shape, sausage variety, or add-ins.
* **Healthy(ish):** While it’s creamy, the kale adds a good dose of vitamins and fiber to your meal.
* **Comforting:** This dish is pure comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:

* **1 pound sweet Italian sausage, removed from casings** (You can also use hot Italian sausage or a combination of both.)
* **1 tablespoon olive oil**
* **1 medium yellow onion, chopped**
* **2 cloves garlic, minced**
* **1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)**
* **1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)**
* **8 ounces pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or shells)**
* **6 cups chopped kale (about 1 bunch, stems removed)**
* **1 cup heavy cream**
* **1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving**
* **Salt and black pepper to taste**
* **Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)**

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create this delicious creamy kale and pasta dish:

**1. Cook the Sausage:**

* In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
* Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Ensure there are no pink spots left. If the sausage is releasing a lot of grease, you may need to drain some off, but a little bit of rendered fat adds to the flavor.
* Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

**2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:**

* In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**3. Deglaze with Wine:**

* Pour in the white wine and scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits (fond). This will add a lot of flavor to the sauce. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes, until it has reduced slightly.

**4. Cook the Pasta:**

* While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water will help to thicken the sauce and make it extra creamy.
* Drain the pasta and set aside.

**5. Add the Kale:**

* Add the chopped kale to the skillet with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook until the kale is wilted, about 5-7 minutes. You may need to add a little water or broth if the kale starts to stick to the pan. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking. The kale should be tender but still have a slight bite to it.

**6. Make the Creamy Sauce:**

* Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Do not boil the cream, as it may curdle.
* Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

**7. Combine Everything:**

* Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet with the creamy kale sauce.
* Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
* Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

**8. Serve:**

* Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t overcook the pasta:** Cook the pasta al dente, meaning it should be firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the sauce.
* **Use fresh kale:** Fresh kale will have the best flavor and texture. Make sure to wash and dry the kale thoroughly before chopping.
* **Adjust the seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
* **Reserve pasta water:** The starchy pasta water is key to creating a creamy and emulsified sauce. Don’t skip this step!
* **Use high-quality Parmesan cheese:** Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will have a much better flavor than pre-grated cheese.

## Variations and Add-ins

This creamy kale and pasta recipe is a great base for experimentation. Here are some ideas for variations and add-ins:

* **Sausage:** Try using different types of sausage, such as hot Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even chorizo. You can also use pre-cooked sausage to save time.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
* **Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or mozzarella. Add the cheese at the end, along with the Parmesan.
* **Greens:** Use other greens instead of kale, such as spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of green you use.
* **Beans:** Add a can of cannellini beans or other white beans for extra protein and fiber.
* **Lemon:** Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a bright and tangy flavor.
* **Spice:** Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

## Serving Suggestions

This creamy kale and pasta with sweet sausage is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to round out your dinner:

* **Side Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus would be a delicious and healthy side dish.
* **Wine Pairing:** A crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, would pair well with this dish.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare some of the components of this recipe in advance to save time on busy weeknights.

* **Sausage:** Cook the sausage ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Vegetables:** Chop the onion, garlic, and kale ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* **Sauce:** Make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to use, reheat the sauce over low heat before adding the pasta and sausage.

Do not cook the pasta ahead of time, as it will become mushy. Cook the pasta fresh just before serving.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover creamy kale and pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. You may need to add a little water or broth to loosen the sauce.

## Recipe Card

**Creamy Kale and Pasta with Sweet Sausage**

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes

**Cook Time:** 30 minutes

**Total Time:** 45 minutes

**Servings:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, removed from casings
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1/2 cup dry white wine
* 8 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, shells)
* 6 cups chopped kale (about 1 bunch, stems removed)
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned, 7-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Pour in white wine and scrape the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until reduced slightly.
4. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and set aside.
5. Add kale to the skillet and cook until wilted, 5-7 minutes. Add water/broth if sticking.
6. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and let thicken slightly, 2-3 minutes.
7. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Add cooked sausage back to the skillet.
9. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add pasta water if sauce is too thick.
10. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
11. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy this creamy, flavorful, and satisfying pasta dish! It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 600-800 per serving (depending on portion size and specific ingredients used)
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 30-45g
* Carbohydrates: 50-70g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.*

This creamy kale and pasta with sweet sausage recipe is a delightful and easy way to enjoy a flavorful and comforting meal. With its simple ingredients, straightforward instructions, and customizable options, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece!