Imagine a dish that combines the hearty comfort of perfectly cooked pasta, the bold kick of spicy sausage, and the nutritious crunch of fresh kale - all in one mouthwatering meal! This isn't just another pasta recipe; it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dinner you can create right in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that's as easy to make as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 bunch kale, chopped
- 1 lb spicy sausage, casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 12 oz of spaghetti, 1 bunch of chopped kale, 1 lb of spicy sausage with casings removed, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tbsp of olive oil, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese for serving.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the spicy sausage to the skillet, breaking it up 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 to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the chopped kale to the skillet, stirring well to combine with the sausage and garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the kale is wilted and tender.
- When the spaghetti is done, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.
- Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the sausage and kale mixture. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to help create a light sauce that coats the spaghetti.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Toss well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Remove the skillet from heat and serve the spaghetti hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy your delicious spaghetti with kale and spicy sausage!
Tips
- Choose high-quality spicy sausage for maximum flavor - the spicier, the better!
- Don't overcook the kale - you want it wilted but still vibrant and slightly crisp.
- Reserve pasta water is your secret weapon for creating a silky, clingy sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti.
- For extra depth of flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine when cooking the sausage.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the most intense flavor - pre-grated cheese simply can't compare.
- If you want to make this dish even healthier, opt for whole wheat spaghetti or try alternative pasta like chickpea or lentil pasta.
- Let the pasta rest in the skillet for a minute after tossing to allow the flavors to fully meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 629kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 39g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 80mg
