Spicy Sausage and Kale Pesto Pasta: A hearty pasta dish featuring spicy sausage, kale pesto, and a touch of cream for richness.

Spicy Sausage and Kale Pesto Pasta

Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Difficulty: Easy Serves: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (substitute: ground beef, chicken, or plant-based sausage)
  • 1 bunch kale, stems removed and roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup toasted walnuts (substitute: pine nuts, almonds)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (substitute: nutritional yeast)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (substitute: half-and-half, plant-based cream)
  • 12 ounces pasta of your choice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Add the kale to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. In a food processor, combine the walnuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Pulse until a coarse paste forms.
  5. Add the cooked kale to the food processor and pulse until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Return the sausage to the skillet. Add the kale pesto and heavy cream. Stir to combine and cook until heated through.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add some of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.

Things to avoid:

  • Overcooking the pasta. Cook it until al dente so it retains its texture when mixed with the sauce.
  • Overprocessing the pesto. Pulse until a coarse paste forms, not a smooth puree.
  • Adding too much red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
  • Skipping the reserved pasta water. It helps to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly.

Serving suggestions:

  • Top with a fried egg for a richer meal.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
  • Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.

Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying pasta dish!

Spicy Sausage and Kale Pesto Pasta