Imagine a plate of pasta so irresistible that it transforms an ordinary dinner into a culinary adventure! This Spicy Sausage Kale Rigatoni is not just another pasta dish - it's a flavor explosion that combines the hearty richness of Italian sausage, the earthy nutrition of kale, and a kick of spice that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress dinner guests with minimal effort, this recipe proves that gourmet meals can be both quick and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage
- 4 cups kale, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add rigatoni pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Remove sausage from casings and add to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 6-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the sausage. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice, stirring to combine with the sausage. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Add chopped kale to the skillet, stirring until it begins to wilt and become tender, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add directly to the skillet with the sausage and kale mixture.
- Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce and help the ingredients combine.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir to incorporate. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired.
Tips
- Always reserve pasta water before draining - its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the rigatoni.
- For maximum flavor, use fresh, high-quality spicy Italian sausage and remove it from the casing to get those beautiful, caramelized crumbles.
- Don't rush the garlic and red pepper flake sauté - 30-45 seconds is key to releasing their aromatic oils without burning.
- Choose curly kale for extra texture and better wilting, and make sure to chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- For a lighter version, you can use turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage without compromising on taste.
- If you like extra heat, don't be shy with those red pepper flakes - they're the secret weapon of this dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 65mg
