The Best Savory Sausage and Kale Rigatoni Recipe You’ll Love

Rigatoni pasta brings an unexpected twist to this hearty sausage and kale combination that promises comfort in every delicious bite.

Rustic ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of robust flavors that warm your soul.

Italian culinary traditions shine through with each carefully selected component.

Tender pasta tubes capture rich sauce perfectly, while spicy sausage adds depth and excitement.

Crisp kale introduces a vibrant green contrast against the golden pasta backdrop.

Fresh herbs scattered on top provide a final burst of aromatic magic.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet sophisticated meal that comes together faster than you can say “delizioso!” Dive into this recipe and let your kitchen become a canvas of Mediterranean-inspired delights.

What You’ll Need for Sausage and Kale Rigatoni

• Rigatoni: Classic tube-shaped pasta with ridges that hold sauce perfectly.

• Italian Sausage: Flavorful meat that adds rich and spicy notes to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty and sharp cheese that enhances overall flavor.

• Kale, Garlic: Nutrient-packed greens and aromatic that add depth to the recipe.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Spices that enhance and balance the dish's flavor.
• Olive Oil, Pasta Water: Ingredients that create a smooth, light sauce.

How to Cook the Perfect Sausage Kale Rigatoni

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Carefully drop in the rigatoni and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Before draining, carefully scoop out a cup of the starchy pasta water – this liquid gold will be your secret weapon for creating a silky sauce later.

Step 2: Brown Sausage to Perfection

Grab a spacious skillet and drizzle in some olive oil.

Heat it up over medium flame.

Squeeze the sausage out of its casing and break it into delicious crumbly bits.

Let the meat sizzle and dance in the pan, stirring occasionally.

Watch as it transforms into a beautiful golden brown, releasing those irresistible meaty aromas.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss in finely chopped garlic and let it become fragrant for a quick minute.

Add the vibrant green kale to the skillet, watching it wilt and soften.

The kitchen will now be filled with an incredible aroma that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Introduce the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, creating a harmonious blend of sausage and kale.

Splash in some reserved pasta water and a final drizzle of olive oil.

Toss everything together until each pasta tube is coated with flavor.

Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Give everything a final toss and serve immediately.

Prepare for a meal that’ll become an instant family favorite.

Tips to Make Sausage and Kale Pasta Even Better

• Select high-quality Italian sausage and crisp kale for the best flavor and texture in your dish.
• Reserve pasta water before draining – it's liquid gold for creating a silky, clingy sauce that helps coat the rigatoni perfectly.
• Break sausage into small, even crumbles and cook slowly to develop rich, caramelized flavors without burning.
• Cook kale just until wilted to maintain its vibrant color and prevent a harsh, bitter taste while preserving its nutritional value.
• Add reserved pasta water gradually to create a light, glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the rigatoni without becoming too watery.

Best Practices for Storing and Reheating Rigatoni

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the pasta is completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer the dish to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to help restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated evenly.

What Goes Well with Sausage and Kale Rigatoni

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich sausage and enhance the savory flavors.
• Create Crisp Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta and cut through its richness with bright, tangy notes.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted sourdough or rustic Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a satisfying textural contrast.
• Introduce Citrus-Infused Water: Craft a refreshing drink with sliced lemons, oranges, and fresh herbs like basil to cleanse the palate between bites and add a zesty touch.

Rigatoni Variations for Different Flavor Profiles

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or roasted chickpeas for a protein-packed meatless version. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for dairy-free option.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap rigatoni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or legume-based alternatives. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta. Reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich flavors of sausage and kale.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and swap regular sausage with spicy chorizo. Incorporate fresh oregano and crumbled feta cheese for an extra Mediterranean kick.

FAQs

• What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Italian sausage is ideal, either mild or spicy depending on your preference. Pork sausage provides the most traditional flavor and creates a rich, savory base for the dish.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the sausage with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of pasta water and add extra garlic and herbs for depth of flavor.

• How do I prevent the kale from becoming bitter?

Massage the kale with a little olive oil before cooking to soften its texture. Cook it quickly over medium heat to retain its bright green color and prevent bitterness. Remove the tough stems before chopping.

• Is this dish considered healthy?

This recipe offers nutritional benefits from kale, which is rich in vitamins A, K, and C. The lean protein from sausage and the fiber from kale make it a balanced meal. Controlling portion size helps maintain its health profile.

Why Savory Sausage and Kale Rigatoni Hits the Spot

• Combine hearty sausage, nutritious kale, and satisfying rigatoni for a balanced meal that delivers both flavor and wholesome goodness in every bite.
• Easily customize this recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping protein, or adding extra vegetables to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with this streamlined cooking method that allows you to prepare a complete meal using just a single pan, saving time and reducing dish washing.

Savory Sausage and Kale Rigatoni Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian sausage and kale rigatoni brings rustic comfort to your dinner table with robust flavors and satisfying textures. Mediterranean ingredients combine perfectly, creating a soul-warming pasta dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 1 pound (454 grams) rigatoni pasta
• 1 large bunch kale (stems removed and leaves chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted pot of water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook rigatoni until perfectly al dente, maintaining a slight firmness. Set aside 1 cup of starchy pasta water before straining.
2. In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Liberate sausage from its casing and crumble directly into the pan. Sauté for approximately 8-10 minutes, periodically stirring, until meat achieves a rich golden-brown color and is thoroughly cooked.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the sausage, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for roughly 60 seconds. Incorporate chopped kale, continuing to cook for 3-4 minutes until the leafy greens soften and collapse.
4. Transfer cooked rigatoni into the skillet, combining with sausage and kale. Drizzle reserved pasta water and remaining olive oil, gently tossing to create a silky coating. Sprinkle grated Parmesan throughout, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Notes

• Swap sausage with plant-based alternatives like Beyond Meat crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains the hearty flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free rigatoni to make this dish celiac-friendly without compromising the robust texture and taste.
• Rinse kale thoroughly before chopping to remove any grit and ensure a clean, fresh vegetable base for the pasta.
• For a lighter option, drain excess sausage fat and use low-fat Parmesan to reduce overall calorie content while preserving the dish’s delicious essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg