Sale-priced Italian chicken sausage, earthy mushrooms, and October-season kale make a hearty Tuscan-inspired pasta in one skillet plus a pasta pot.
- Total time: 35 min
- Servings: 2 servings
- Estimated total cost: $9
- Calories per serving: 690 cal
- Stovetop
Drink pairing: Sangiovese complements the savory sausage and earthy vegetables with bright acidity.
Details
Ingredients
-
Simple Truth® Mild Italian Chicken Sausage8 ounces $5.99
-
Kroger® Cavatappi Noodles6 ounces dry $1.33
-
Organic Lacinato Kale1 bunch, about 8 ounces $3.00
-
Kroger® Whole White Mushrooms8 ounces $2.39
-
Garlic3 cloves $0.79
-
Olive oil2 tablespoons, divided
-
Morton kosher salt flakes2 tablespoons plus 2½ teaspoons, divided
-
Black pepper¼ teaspoon
-
Crushed red pepper flakes⅛ teaspoon
-
Parmesan cheese½ ounce, finely grated, about ¼ cup
-
Caparzo Sangiovese Toscana1 bottle $18.99
Instructions
-
Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a pasta pot. Meanwhile, wash 1 bunch lacinato kale (about 8 ounces), strip out the tough stems, and slice the leaves into thin ribbons.
-
Wipe clean and thinly slice 8 ounces white mushrooms. Peel and mince 3 garlic cloves.
-
Remove any casings from 8 ounces Italian chicken sausage. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and break it into small crumbles; cook for 6–8 minutes, until browned and the largest crumbles reach 165°F. Transfer to a plate. Do not add salt to the already-seasoned sausage.
-
Add 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons Morton kosher salt flakes to the boiling water, then add 6 ounces dry cavatappi. Cook until al dente according to the package, while continuing with the skillet steps. Before draining, reserve 1 cup pasta water.
-
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the sausage skillet. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
-
Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the following:
- The minced garlic
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Stir for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
-
Add the prepared kale, ½ teaspoon Morton kosher salt flakes, and ¼ cup plain water. Cover and cook for 3–4 minutes, then uncover and stir until the kale is tender and the water has mostly evaporated. The modest vegetable seasoning leaves room for the salty sausage, cheese, and pasta water.
-
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and add the drained pasta with ¼ cup reserved pasta water. Toss over medium heat for 1–2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in ½ ounce finely grated Parmesan. If needed, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce lightly coats the pasta.
-
Divide between two shallow bowls, distributing the sausage, mushrooms, and kale evenly, and serve immediately.
Want more detail? See the temperature guide.
Wine picks:
- Caparzo Sangiovese Toscana $18.99 1 bottle
Why it works: Sangiovese’s bright acidity cuts through the savory sausage and Parmesan, while its cherry and earthy notes complement the mushrooms and kale. The Tuscan bottling is an especially fitting match.