Sausage and Kale Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty pasta dish featuring spicy sausage, wilted kale, and a simple garlic-olive oil sauce for a comforting weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, spicy, casings removed Italian sausage, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 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; reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook, breaking into small pieces with a spoon, for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through; remove sausage and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 3 garlic cloves (minced) and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 bunch kale (chopped) to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until wilted and tender.
  5. Step 5: Return 1 lb cooked sausage to the skillet and stir in 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; toss with the drained spaghetti until coated and sauce is creamy.
  6. Step 6: Season with salt and black pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sausage and Kale Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Sausage and Kale Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil?

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 Sausage and Kale Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil?

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 Sausage and Kale Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil 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 Sausage and Kale Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil?

Italian pasta 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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