Craving a dish that's bursting with flavor, packed with protein, and ready in just 30 minutes? Look no further than this mouthwatering Beans and Greens Sausage Pasta! Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked penne, loaded with spicy Italian sausage, creamy cannellini beans, and vibrant greens that will make your taste buds dance. This isn't just another pasta recipe – it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily create in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 cups kale or spinach
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
- Once the sausage is cooked, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Next, add the drained cannellini beans to the skillet, stirring to combine them with the sausage and garlic mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the beans to heat through.
- After the beans are heated, add the kale or spinach to the skillet. Stir well to mix everything together. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the greens are wilted and tender.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the rest of the pasta. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sausage and greens mixture.
- Pour in the reserved pasta cooking water and stir everything together over low heat. This will help to create a cohesive sauce that coats the pasta.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts and combines with the other ingredients.
- Remove from heat and serve the Beans and Greens Sausage Pasta warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously – it should taste like the sea to ensure your pasta is flavorful from the start.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy liquid is liquid gold for creating a silky, cohesive sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
- For extra depth of flavor, try using spicy Italian sausage or add a splash of white wine when cooking the sausage.
- If you're looking to make this dish healthier, opt for whole wheat pasta and lean turkey sausage.
- Don't overcook the greens – they should be just wilted, maintaining their bright color and nutritional value.
- Fresh Parmesan cheese grated right at the table will elevate this dish from good to absolutely incredible!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 651kcal
Carbohydrates: 63g
Protein: 38g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 90mg
