Tuscan Kale Pasta
Imagine the delightful aroma of sautéed garlic and sun-dried tomatoes wafting through your kitchen. Picture yourself twirling perfectly cooked fusilloni pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce, studded with tender slices of chicken sausage and vibrant, green kale. The Tuscan Kale Pasta isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that beckons you back to the warmth of family gatherings and cozy nights at home. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, easily bringing a smile to your face and joy to your table. Whether you’re in a rush to get dinner on the table or taking your time to savor every bite, this uncomplicated yet indulgent recipe is worth making again and again.
Are you ready to indulge in a plate of happiness?
Have you ever craved a meal that not only satisfies your hunger but also comforts your soul? Imagine a dish that wraps you in warmth like a cozy blanket, one that is not only delicious but also quick to prepare on a busy weeknight. Picture gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing stories and laughter while enjoying a bowl of velvety, Tuscan Kale Pasta. Isn’t it time you treated yourself (and your loved ones) to this crave-worthy delight?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Tuscan Kale Pasta is a perfect blend of flavor and nutrition. Here are just a few reasons you’ll fall head over heels for this dish:
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Quick and Easy Prep: With minimal hands-on time, you can whip this up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
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Healthy Ingredients: Packed full of fiber-rich kale, lean chicken sausage, and wholesome pasta, this dish satisfies while nourishing your body.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Its creamy texture, vibrant colors, and savory flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike, sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
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Minimal Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients on hand, making it a stress-free choice for a spontaneous meal.
Ingredients
To bring this Tuscan Kale Pasta to life, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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12 ounces fusilloni pasta: The twisty shapes capture the sauce beautifully.
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12 ounces cooked chicken sausage, sliced into ½-inch pieces: Offers a savory depth that enhances the dish.
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2 teaspoons oil: A necessary base for sautéing.
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1 shallot, sliced: Adds a sweet, oniony flavor.
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½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and sliced: Brings intense sweetness and acidity.
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2 teaspoons minced garlic: Because everything is better with garlic!
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½ cup low sodium chicken broth or low sodium vegetable broth: Helps create a luscious sauce.
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6 cups chopped kale, stems removed and leaves roughly chopped: The star of the dish, packed with nutrients.
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¼ cup heavy cream: Ensures every bite is decadently rich.
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¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, extra for serving: For that gooey, cheesy goodness.
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½ lemon, juiced: Brightens and balances the flavors.
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Kosher salt, to taste: Essential for flavor enhancement.
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Black pepper, to taste: A sprinkle of spice elevates the dish.
Timing
You can think of this Tuscan Kale Pasta as your quick indulgence or a luxurious affair, based on how you decide to enjoy it. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and cook time around 15, this dish comes together swiftly, perfect for families in the fast lane. However, allow yourself the pleasure to linger over the rich scent of sautéing ingredients, embracing the culinary journey of crafting this satisfying meal.
Step-by-Step
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Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the fusilloni until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
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Reserve the Water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of that starchy pasta water. This liquid is vital for creating the perfect sauce.
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Sauté the Sausage: Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat and add the sliced chicken sausage. Sauté until each piece is browned and crisp, approximately 6-10 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
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Cook Shallots and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add sliced shallots, adding more oil if needed. Sauté for one minute, then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, cooking until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
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Add Garlic and Broth: Toss in the minced garlic for an aromatic punch, cooking for another minute. Then pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping the bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate all those tasty flavors.
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Add the Kale: Stir in chopped kale and toss until it wilts, about 2 minutes.
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Combine Ingredients: Return the sausage to the skillet. Add the heavy cream, cooked pasta, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Gently toss together, ensuring the sauce envelops each piece.
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Adjust the Sauce: Begin incorporating reserved pasta water, starting with ¼ cup, mixing until the sauce comes together. Continue adding more if needed to reach the desired consistency.
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Final Touches: Stir in the lemon juice, seasoning with Kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
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Serve and Enjoy: Scoop portions onto plates, extra Parmesan sprinkled on top, and enjoy your Tuscan Kale Pasta.
NOTE: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave!
Nutritional Information
A single serving of Tuscan Kale Pasta is approximately 450-500 calories, making it both satisfying and indulgent without sacrificing health. The combination of kale, lean meat, and pasta allows you to indulge while still keeping an eye on nutrition, striking a beautiful balance between comfort food and wholesome meals.
Healthier Alternatives
Looking for ways to tweak this dish to meet various dietary needs? Here are some healthier alternatives:
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Low-Sugar Options: Choose low-sugar chicken sausages and adjust the sun-dried tomatoes to balance the sweetness.
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Dairy-Free Swaps: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
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Pasta Alternatives: Swap fusilloni for whole-grain or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Tuscan Kale Pasta with a fresh garden salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Want a sweet finish? Indulge in a scoop of gelato or a slice of your favorite dessert. This dish is versatile enough to stand alone or complement a range of treats, making it perfect for any occasion.
Common Mistakes
While making Tuscan Kale Pasta is straightforward, here are some pitfalls to avoid:
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Overbaking Ingredients: Ensure that you don’t over-sauté the shallots and sun-dried tomatoes. They should enhance the overall flavor without losing their texture.
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Texture Issues: Cooking the pasta just until al dente is crucial. This prevents a mushy mess after mixing with the sauce.
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Messy Cooking: Always prep all ingredients beforehand for a smooth cooking process, minimizing spillage and keeping your kitchen organized.
Storing Tips
Looking to save some of that delicious Tuscan Kale Pasta for later? Here are some tips:
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Freezing Portions: While not all pasta dishes freeze well, this recipe will maintain flavor if stored properly. Store in airtight containers, separating portions.
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Reheating Instructions: For the best results, reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir midway for even heating.
Tempting you to bake it ASAP
What are you waiting for? Your taste buds are beckoning, and the delightful aroma of Tuscan Kale Pasta is ready to fill your kitchen. With creamy goodness, savory sausage, and the freshness of kale, this dish promises to deliver comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Prepare to wow your family or simply indulge in a bowl all to yourself. Don’t let another day pass you by without experiencing this culinary masterpiece.
FAQs
What if I can’t find fusilloni pasta?
Any pasta shape can work in this recipe, from penne to rotini, depending on your preference.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth for a completely vegetarian dish.
How can I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sautéing shallots or consider a spicier sausage.
Can I use fresh kale instead of pre-chopped?
Absolutely! Just ensure you thoroughly wash and chop it before sautéing.
How long does the dish last in the fridge?
Tuscan Kale Pasta can be stored for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Dive into this Tuscan Kale Pasta adventure today, and give your cooking routine a burst of flavor and joy!
Print
Tuscan Kale Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Healthy
Description
A comforting and quick-to-prepare Tuscan Kale Pasta featuring fusilloni pasta, chicken sausage, kale, and a rich creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fusilloni pasta
- 12 ounces cooked chicken sausage, sliced into ½-inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons oil
- 1 shallot, sliced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and sliced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth or low sodium vegetable broth
- 6 cups chopped kale, stems removed and leaves roughly chopped
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, extra for serving
- ½ lemon, juiced
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the fusilloni until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
- Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta.
- In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat and add the sliced chicken sausage. Sauté until browned and crisp, approximately 6-10 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate.
- In the same skillet, add sliced shallots and sauté for one minute. Then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic for an aromatic punch and cook for another minute. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping the bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in chopped kale and toss until it wilts, about 2 minutes.
- Return the sausage to the skillet. Add the heavy cream, cooked pasta, and shredded Parmesan cheese, gently tossing to combine.
- Incorporate reserved pasta water, starting with ¼ cup, mixing until the sauce comes together.
- Stir in the lemon juice, seasoning with Kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Scoop portions onto plates, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and enjoy.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
