Savory Sausage and Kale Rigatoni
Savor the comforting flavors of Savory Sausage and Kale Rigatoni, a creamy pasta dish that perfectly marries rich Italian sausage with vibrant kale. This easy-to-make recipe takes just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With each bite, you’ll enjoy a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 4 cups fresh kale, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving half a cup of pasta water.
- Brown the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add crumbled sausage and cook until browned (6-8 minutes).
- Sauté Garlic and Kale: Stir in minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add kale; cook until wilted (3 minutes).
- Create Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and reserved pasta water; simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Mix Pasta with Sauce: Add cooked rigatoni and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss to combine well.
- Serve: Plate the dish and top with additional Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 250g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For lighter options, substitute sausage with ground turkey or chicken. Enhance flavor by adding sun-dried tomatoes or a splash of lemon juice. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat with a splash of broth or cream.