Creamy Kale and Pasta with Sweet Sausage
Description
This pasta dish makes it easy to incorporate kale into your diet - just add sweet sausage and a creamy sauce for a flavorful new weeknight go-to!
Ingredients
•
10 ounces gemelli pasta
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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3 (3 1/2 ounce) links sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
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1 tomato, diced
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1/2 onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
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1/2 bunch kale, thick stems removed, leaves finely chopped
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salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 3/4 cups milk
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1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste
Directions
1
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook gemelli at a boil, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes.
2
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add tomato, onion, and garlic; saute for 3 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze browned bits. Add kale and cook, tossing occasionally, until wilted and tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3
While kale is cooking, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, and drain pasta. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly with a whisk, for 1 minute. Pour in milk slowly while whisking vigorously to smooth lumps. Season with salt and pepper and continue to cook until mixture begins to bubble and thicken, 7 to 10 minutes. Add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency as needed. Remove sauce from heat.
4
Pour sauce into sausage mixture, add drained pasta, and toss to evenly coat. Serve warm topped with Parmesan cheese.