A hearty pasta dish that combines flavorful Italian chicken sausage with earthy kale and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Perfect weeknight family meal!
What’s for dinner? Every night the question is difficult to answer. When we have nothing prepared or planned, it’s usually at least a 30 minute discussion on all the possible take out, delivery, and restaurant options within the area.
We debate over it for so long that I can’t stand it anymore and just decide to whip something quick in the kitchen. And usually, at this point in the night, I have already changed into comfy home clothes, tied up my hair, and refuse to get ready to go out.
Pasta is a sure winner for moments like this! It is an easy meal that looks like I took the time to plan ahead.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for this quick and easy pasta dinner are:
- Penne (or any pasta shape of your choice)
- Italian Sausage
- Onions and Garlic
- Kale
- Parmesan Cheese (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free option)
- Sliced Almonds (optional for crunch)
Any pasta works! Use whatever you happen to have on hand. The secret is reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the cooked pasta!
I opted for the leaner Italian chicken sausage for this pasta dish, but you can also use traditional pork sausage. Or, you may sub in your choice of protein. Since I didn’t use a lot of meat, I added toasted almonds for additional protein as well as extra crunch and flavor.
I’ve been on a kale craze these last couple of months. Kale is always good to have around. In the morning, I use it to make green smoothies like Miss Green smoothie or avocado kale smoothie. Kale Caesar salad with grilled chicken is good for lunch and this penne with kale is quick and easy for dinner.
For the best flavor, use freshly grated parmesan cheese. To make a dairy-free version, swap in nutritional yeast. It tastes amazing in this dish!
Assembly
- Cook chicken sausage over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon or spatula or break up sausage into smaller chunks. Once chicken is cooked, add diced onions.
- Cook onions until soft and translucent. Then, add in minced garlic.
- Reduce heat. Add kale (add in two additions if it doesn’t fit in the pan). Season with red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Heat until kale has wilted.
- Remove from heat and add parmesan cheese. Toss with reserved pasta water to moisten. Garnish with toasted almonds and additional cheese. Serve immediately!
More Easy Pasta Recipes
Penne with Kale and Chicken Sausage
Ingredients
- 16 oz dried penne pasta
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 8 oz spicy Italian chicken sausage, , removed from casing
- 1/2 medium onion, , diced
- 3 garlic cloves,, minced
- 16 oz coarsely chopped kale, , removed from large center ribs
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper,, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, , lightly toasted, optional for crunch
Instructions
- Cook penne in a large pot of boiling salted water. Cook to al dente according to pasta's package directions. Before draining water, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet. Add oil. When pan is hot, add chicken sausage. Cook over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up chicken into bite size chunks as it cooks.
- Once chicken starts to brown, add diced onions. Cook until onions begin to soften and become translucent. Add minced garlic and stir to combine.
- Slightly reduce heat. Add kale in two additions if it does not fit in the pan. Add red pepper flakes and season with salt and pepper. Cook until kale as wilted and chicken sausage has fully browned.
- Remove from heat and add parmesan cheese and cooked pasta. Toss to combine and distribute ingredients. If pasta is too dry, add reserved pasta water 1 Tbsp at a time until moist.
- Serve with toasted almonds and additional parmesan cheese.
Notes
- I opted for the leaner Italian chicken sausage for this pasta dish, but you can also use traditional pork sausage. Or, you may sub in your choice of protein
- For the best flavor, use freshly grated parmesan cheese. To make a dairy-free version, swap in nutritional yeast.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
MMM! I want this right now. Looks downright delicious! Just bought some kale, so this may be up on the menu tonight!
Thanks Brielle! Bon appetit! :)
This recipe is great. So easy, light and scrumptious. Healthy, too. I’ll be making this often. Thanks.
I feel you – same problem around here! I too resort to pasta most of the times :)
Glad to know I’m not alone :)
Pasta? Cheese? Count me in! :) This is a fantastic dinner idea! It looks beautiful but is so easy to make! Perfect :)
xox Amy
Thanks, Amy! I agree! Pasta and cheese can save any dinner!