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
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Simple Truth® Mild Italian Chicken Sausage8 oz $5.99
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Kroger® 100% Whole Grain Penne Rigate6 oz $1.33
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Organic Lacinato Kale1 bunch, approximately 8 oz $3.00
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Simple Truth Organic® Garlic Bulbs2 cloves $2.49
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Olive oil2 tablespoons
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Fine sea salt2 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon, divided
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Crushed red pepper flakes1/4 teaspoon
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Ground black pepper1/4 teaspoon
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Finely grated Parmesan2 tablespoons
Instructions
Swipe a step aside or click its number when it’s done.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Want more detail? See the temperature guide.
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.