Creamy Sausage and Kale Pasta with Parmesan Breadcrumbs
Creamy Sausage and Kale Pasta is a cozy 35-minute dinner with Italian sausage, Tuscan kale, Parmesan cream sauce, and crispy Parmesan breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
For the Parmesan Breadcrumbs:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces mezzi rigatoni
- 1 pound mild or hot Italian sausage casings removed
- 2 large shallots thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 5 cups chopped Tuscan kale tough stems removed
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ to 1 cup reserved pasta water as needed
Instructions
- Make the Parmesan breadcrumbs. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the panko and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
- Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the mezzi rigatoni until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Brown the sausage. While the pasta cooks, add the sausage to the same skillet used for the breadcrumbs over medium-high heat. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and cooked through.
- Cook the shallots and kale. Add the shallots and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds. Add the kale and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until wilted.
- Make the sauce. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Combine and serve. Add the cooked mezzi rigatoni to the skillet and toss until well coated. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Divide among bowls and generously top with the crispy Parmesan breadcrumbs and additional Parmesan.
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