One-Pan Sausage and Kale with Garlic

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick-cooked sausage and kale simmered in a garlicky broth for a savory, protein-packed meal ready in under 20 minutes. This american-inspired quick meals ready in about 20 minutes pairs olive oil, chopped (stems removed) kale, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.2 (300 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz sliced smoked sausage and cook for 5 minutes until browned on edges, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to skillet. Add 4 cups chopped kale and 3 cloves minced garlic, and sauté for 3 minutes until kale is wilted and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return sausage to skillet, add 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes until broth reduces slightly and flavors meld, stirring occasionally.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 with Garlic?

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 olive oil from drying out.

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

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 with Garlic 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 with Garlic?

American 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.

Equipment for this recipe

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