Sausage and Kale Orecchiette

• 8 oz orecchiette pasta
• 12 oz Italian turkey or pork sausage, casing removed
• 4 cups kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Freshly grated Parmesan for serving

Steps

1. 1 Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orecchiette according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. 2 While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through.
3. 3 Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. 4 Stir in the kale and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Pour in the chicken stock and let it simmer.
5. 5 Combine the cooked orecchiette with the sausage and kale mixture. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for moisture.
6. 6 Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is glossy.
7. 7 Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon

Variations

• Add roasted cherry tomatoes for extra sweetness.
• Substitute orecchiette with another pasta shape like farfalle or penne.

Substitutions

• If kale isn't available, use spinach or Swiss chard.
• For a vegetarian option, replace sausage with diced mushrooms or zucchini.

Pairings

• A simple garlic bread
• A refreshing arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

Nutrition

Tips

• Use lacinato kale for its tender texture, but any variety works.
• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp Caesar salad.
• Pair with a glass of Chianti for an authentic Italian experience.

FAQ