One-Pot Italian Sausage and Kale Pasta
A hearty pasta dish with spicy Italian sausage, fresh kale, and a simple tomato sauce, all cooked in one pot. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs Penne pasta, Italian sausage, Olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne pasta
- 12 oz Italian sausage
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 can (28 oz) Crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 4 oz, stems removed and chopped Kale
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz Italian sausage, breaking into small pieces, and cook until browned (5 minutes).
- Step 2: Add 1 medium chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, cook 3 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, cook 1 minute. Add 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz) and 1 cup chicken broth, stir to combine.
- Step 3: Bring to simmer, add 12 oz penne pasta and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente. Stir in 4 oz chopped kale and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cook 2 minutes until wilted. Stir in 1/2 tsp black pepper and serve with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Italian Sausage and Kale Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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-Pot Italian 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-Pot Italian 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-Pot Italian 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-Pot Italian Sausage and Kale Pasta?
Italian one pot 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
