One-Pot Sausage and Kale Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple, hearty weeknight dinner where sausage, tomatoes, and kale simmer into a vibrant sauce that coats perfectly cooked pasta. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, Italian sausage, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 325 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 325 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil; add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat; add 1 diced medium onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed), breaking the sausage into small pieces with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes; bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 cups chopped kale and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; cook until kale wilts and tender, about 3 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Add drained spaghetti, 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan; toss vigorously until cheese melts and sauce coats pasta, about 2 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Sausage and Kale Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Sausage and Kale Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?

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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Sausage and Kale Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Sausage and Kale Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 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 Sausage and Kale Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?

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.

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