Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly quick weeknight dinner? Look no further! This recipe takes inspiration from the wholesome, seasonal ethos of River Cottage, offering a vibrant and flavorful pasta dish that's ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings, this easy recipe is packed with goodness and will quickly become a family favorite. It's a testament to how simple, homemade cooking can be both satisfying and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb Italian sausages, casings removed (or vegetarian alternative)
- 1 bunch kale, stems removed and roughly chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Brown the Sausage: Add the sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish.
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Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Wilt the Kale: Add the chopped kale to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. The kale will reduce in volume considerably.
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Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When browning the sausage, ensure the skillet isn't overcrowded. This allows the sausage to brown properly instead of steaming.
- Adjust the spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference. If you prefer a milder dish, omit them altogether.
- Fresh herbs are best: If you have fresh oregano on hand, use about 1 tablespoon instead of the dried oregano. Fresh herbs always enhance the flavor profile.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce.
- Different sausage: Experiment with different types of sausages, such as chicken sausage or spicy chorizo.
- Creamy version: Stir in a dollop of cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
This quick and easy pasta recipe is a fantastic example of delicious, healthy food that doesn't require hours in the kitchen. It’s a perfect demonstration of how simple, homemade cooking can be both satisfying and incredibly flavorful – a true testament to the River Cottage philosophy of embracing seasonal ingredients and straightforward cooking methods for optimal results. Enjoy!