Savory Sausage and Kale Rigatoni
Savory Sausage and Kale Rigatoni is a deliciously hearty pasta dish that combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage with fresh kale in a creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is quick to prepare, taking just 30-40 minutes. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful balance of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds—making it an instant favorite at your table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
- 4 cups fresh kale, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- 1. Cook the rigatoni: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rigatoni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 2. Sauté the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and crumbly (8-10 minutes).
- 3. Add aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent (3-4 minutes).
- 4. Incorporate kale: Add chopped kale and cook until wilted (about 3 minutes).
- 5. Mix in tomatoes: Stir in canned diced tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes.
- 6. Combine with pasta: Fold in the drained rigatoni until well mixed with the sauce. Serve hot, sprinkling with Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For a lighter dish, substitute turkey or chicken sausage. Add crushed red pepper for extra heat or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor. Reserve some pasta water before draining; it can help adjust sauce consistency if needed.