Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering dish that combines the robust flavors of Italian cuisine and the nutritious punch of kale! This Garlic Parmesan Kale Pasta with Sausages is not just a meal – it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a quick yet sophisticated weeknight dinner, this recipe promises to become your new go-to comfort food that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 2 sausages, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, wash and chop kale into bite-sized pieces, removing tough stems.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausages and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add chopped kale to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to wilt and become tender.
- Drain cooked pasta and add directly to the skillet with sausages and kale. Toss to combine.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to ensure even coating.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid is a secret weapon for creating a silky, clingy sauce that helps the Parmesan cheese coat every single noodle.
- Kale Preparation: Remove the tough stems from kale before chopping to ensure a tender, more enjoyable texture. Younger, smaller kale leaves tend to be more tender and require less cooking time.
- Sausage Selection: Choose high-quality sausages for maximum flavor. Italian sausage works wonderfully, but you can also experiment with spicy or mild varieties depending on your preference.
- Garlic Wisdom: Add minced garlic toward the end of cooking to prevent burning, which can make it bitter. 30-45 seconds of sautéing is perfect to release its aromatic flavors.
- Cheese Tip: Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for the most vibrant flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce's smoothness.
- One-Pan Wonder: This recipe minimizes cleanup by using just one skillet, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
