Looking for a dish that captures the essence of summer while being quick and easy to whip up on a busy weeknight? This Summer Pasta with Spicy Sausage & Kale delivers just that! With vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, this meal is not only satisfying but also nutritious.
Table of Contents
- Recipe Overview
- Ingredients
- How to Make
- Tips
- Make-Ahead
- Storing
- Freezing
- Reheating
- Serving Suggestions
Summer Pasta with Spicy Sausage & Kale
- Bright flavors with fresh ingredients that scream summer!
- Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy, filling, and great for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
How to Make
To prepare your Summer Pasta with Spicy Sausage & Kale, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent. Next, crumble the spicy Italian sausage into the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, stir in the chopped kale, cherry tomatoes, and seasonings, allowing the kale to wilt and the tomatoes to soften. Finally, drain the pasta and toss everything together in the skillet, adding in the grated Parmesan cheese and mixing until creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired, then serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Tips
- Use whole grain pasta for extra fiber.
- Feel free to swap the spicy sausage for chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Add in other seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers as desired.
Make-Ahead
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time! Simply cook the sausage and veggies, then let cool and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Storing
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short bursts until warmed through.
Freezing
This dish freezes well but is best enjoyed fresh. If you do freeze, store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of water to loosen.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a bit of olive oil if needed to improve texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Summer Pasta with Spicy Sausage & Kale with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
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Summer Pasta with Spicy Sausage & Kale – Quick & Flavorful
Looking for a dish that captures the essence of summer while being quick and easy to whip up on a busy weeknight? This Summer Pasta with Spicy Sausage & Kale delivers just that! With vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, this meal is not only satisfying but also nutritious.
Ingredients
| 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli) | |
| 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed | |
| 2 cups kale, chopped | |
| 1 medium onion, diced | |
| 2 cloves garlic, minced | |
| 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes | |
| 1/4 teaspoon black pepper | |
| 2 tablespoons olive oil | |
| 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved | |
| 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese | |
| Salt, to taste | |
| Fresh basil for garnish |
Preparation
Notes
- Use whole grain pasta for extra fiber.
- Swap the spicy sausage for chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Add in other seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers as desired.
