One-Pan Sausage and Kale Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick and satisfying pasta dish with spicy sausage, fresh kale, garlic, and a simple tomato sauce, all cooked in one pan. This italian-inspired quick meals ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, spicy Italian sausage for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 12 oz spicy Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking into small pieces with a spoon, until browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup low-sodium tomato sauce, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1 bunch kale (chopped, stems removed). Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until kale is wilted.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
  6. Step 6: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Sausage and Kale Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pan Sausage and Kale Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Sausage and Kale Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pan Sausage and Kale Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with One-Pan Sausage and Kale Pasta?

Italian quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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