THE RECIPE JOURNAL · Main Course
Pasta and Kale in a Creamy Sweet Sausage Sauce
This comforting dish combines savory sausage with tender kale, all wrapped in a rich, creamy sauce that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor, making it a new weeknight favorite.
FROM THE KITCHEN • Pasta and Kale in a Creamy Sweet Sausage Sauce
01 THE RECIPE
Let's make it.
Follow these steps for a delicious result. Tick off each step as you go.
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01
Step 1
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gemelli pasta until it’s tender but still has a bit of bite, about 11 minutes, stirring now and then. While the pasta cooks, heat some oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook it, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, around 5 minutes. Toss in the tomato, onion, and garlic, and let everything sauté together for about 3 minutes.
02
Step 2
Next, pour in the chicken broth and use a spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan—that adds great flavor. Add the kale and cook it, stirring occasionally, until it’s wilted and tender, which should take about 5 minutes. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste.
03
Step 3
Before draining the pasta, scoop out half a cup of the cooking water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and then melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook it for about a minute, whisking constantly so it doesn’t clump up. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking vigorously to keep things smooth. Keep cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and starts to bubble, about 7 to 10 minutes. If it feels too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches the consistency you like. Season with salt and pepper.
04
Step 4
Finally, pour the creamy sauce into the skillet with the sausage and kale, add the drained pasta, and toss everything together so it’s all nicely coated. Serve it warm with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
Why you’ll love it
This dish combines the hearty flavor of sausage with the fresh bitterness of kale, all brought together by a rich, creamy sauce. It’s comforting yet packed with nutrients, making it a satisfying meal for any day of the week.
How to serve
Serve this pasta with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a side of crusty garlic bread. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
Storage & leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
