Chicken Sausage & Kale Penne

Savory chicken sausage and early-October lacinato kale mingle with whole-grain penne in a garlicky skillet pasta ready in 30 minutes.

  • Total time: 30 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $7
  • Calories per serving: 650 cal
  • Stovetop

Ingredients

  • Simple Truth® Mild Italian Chicken Sausage
    8 oz $5.99
  • Kroger® 100% Whole Grain Penne Rigate
    6 oz $1.33
  • Organic Lacinato Kale
    1 bunch, approximately 8 oz $3.00
  • Simple Truth Organic® Garlic Bulbs
    2 cloves $2.49
  • Olive oil
    2 tablespoons
  • Fine sea salt
    2 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon, divided
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
    1/4 teaspoon
  • Ground black pepper
    1/4 teaspoon
  • Finely grated Parmesan
    2 tablespoons

Instructions

  1. Bring 2 quarts water to a boil in a pot. Meanwhile, wash 1 bunch lacinato kale, approximately 8 oz, remove the tough stems, and slice the leaves into thin ribbons. Peel and thinly slice 2 garlic cloves.

  2. Remove the casings from 8 oz chicken sausage and break the meat into bite-size pieces. Do not add salt to the already-seasoned sausage.

  3. Add 2 tablespoons plus 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt to the boiling water, then add 6 oz whole-grain penne. Cook according to the package timing until just al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup pasta water.

  4. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the prepared sausage and cook for 7–9 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles and turning occasionally, until browned and cooked to 165°F. Transfer to a plate.

  5. Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the sliced garlic; cook for 30 seconds. Add 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes and stir briefly. Add the prepared kale, 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, and 1/4 cup water. Cover and cook for 3 minutes, then uncover and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until tender and bright green.

  6. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the drained penne, 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. Toss over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until glossy, adding reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time if needed.

  7. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 tablespoon finely grated Parmesan. Divide between two shallow bowls and sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon Parmesan.

Health: Whole-grain penne adds fiber and a nuttier flavor, with a slightly firmer bite than regular pasta.

Drink pairing: A crisp Pinot Grigio complements the sausage and cuts through the olive oil and Parmesan.