Sausage and Kale Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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. 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: 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.

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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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