Pasta with Sausage and Kale

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (225g) pasta 8 ounces (225g) pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 3 cups (180g) kale, stems removed and leaves chopped 3 cups (180g) kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up into small pieces, until browned and cooked through.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the chopped kale to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sausage and kale. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Serve the pasta with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Italian sausage — If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for sweet Italian sausage. For a spicier kick, choose hot Italian sausage.
• Kale — Make sure to remove the tough stems before chopping the kale leaves. Massaging the kale with a bit of olive oil before cooking can help tenderize it.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu seasoned with Italian herbs.
• Add a splash of white wine to the skillet after cooking the sausage for an extra layer of flavor.
• Experiment with different types of pasta shapes to change the texture and appearance of the dish.
• Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
• Serve the pasta with a side of garlic bread to complete the meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Pasta with Sausage and Kale hot, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Accompany it with a fresh green salad and a glass of red wine for a complete Italian dining experience.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, twirl a portion of the pasta with a fork and place it in the center of the plate. Arrange a few kale leaves on top and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese around the edges. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the dish for a glossy finish.