One Pot Smoked Sausage and Kale Pasta
One-pot smoked sausage and kale pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines smoky sausage, pasta, and fresh kale in a single pot. It’s a convenient and hearty meal that can be prepared with minimal effort and time.
This recipe includes a generous amount of kale (don’t worry, it cooks way down), smoked sausage, and pasta. I like whole wheat penne but you can use whatever pasta your family enjoys.
Everything cooks in chicken broth and a bit of water, just until the pasta is done. You finish the sauce with a splash of heavy cream and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese (we measure this with our hearts).
A meal for those really busy nights
The first time I made this meal, my kiddos were 5, 3, and 1. Life felt very busy and overwhelming. Cooking any type of complicated meal for my family did not feel feasible at the time.
As much as I loved being in the kitchen, it was really hard to find time to dedicate to cooking. I would have much-rathered spent that time around the dinner table with my family.
That’s why I really dug into the one-pot pasta concept. I needed something hearty and delicious that would check all of the food group boxes. This recipe does all of that! It’s your ticket to a yummy and filling meal on a busy night.
This recipe saved me when my kids were little. Fast forward five years, and it’s still saving me. I switched out the busyness of having a toddler, preschooler, and kindergartener for two slightly-older kids in little league with 4-5 nights a week spent out on the fields.
I still have a toddler and a kindergartner, too. That part just feels less overwhelming these days.
If you’re in a similar boat (or just really want to try one-pot pasta), this recipe is for you! I’ve included some FAQs on cooking one-pot pasta below along with the full, printable recipe. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a one-pot meal? Typically, a one-pot meal refers to a meal that can be prepared in one pot. It ensures minimal clean-up and generally takes 30 minutes or less to make. One-pot meals usually include everything you need in one dish, so side dishes are not needed.
I don’t like kale, can I use a different vegetable? Yes, you can switch out the kale for spinach and cook it the same way. You could also use broccoli and add it in at the same time as the pasta. However, you may need to increase your liquid.
How do I know how much liquid to use? The trick to making one-pot pasta is to not add too much water or broth. You want the liquid to just barely cover the pasta. Stirring constantly ensures everything cooks evenly. The liquid will evaporate as it cooks and will eventually turn into your sauce.
Do I have to use the same kind of sausage? On the day I took these photos, I used chicken smoked sausage from Trader Joe’s. We also regularly use pork smoked sausage, this is just what I had that day. The important part is to select smoked sausages as they are fully cooked. I invite you to choose the sausage you enjoy most.
Why did you use whole-wheat pasta? Whole wheat pasta is what I tend to buy for my family. However, you can use whatever pasta your family likes. I do recommend tube-shaped or corkscrew-shaped pasta for this recipe.
One Pot Smoked Sausage and Kale Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups kale leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 24 ounce smoked sausage links sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1-2 cup water
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat.
-
Add kale and salt.
-
Saute kale until it begins to shrink up, 2-3 minutes.
-
Mix in smoked sausage, chicken broth, and penne pasta. Add water to the pot until the pasta is just barely covered. Bring to a boil.
-
Stir constantly and cook until pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes.
-
Mix in heavy whipping cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
-
Serve and enjoy.
Recipe Notes
I don't like kale, can I use a different vegetable? Yes, you can switch out the kale for spinach and cook it the same way. You could also use broccoli and add it in at the same time as the pasta. However, you may need to increase your liquid.
How do I know how much liquid to use? The trick to making one-pot pasta is to not add too much water or broth. You want the liquid to just barely cover the pasta. Stirring constantly ensures everything cooks evenly. The liquid will evaporate as it cooks and will eventually turn into your sauce.
Do I have to use the same kind of sausage? On the day I took these photos, I used chicken smoked sausage from Trader Joe's. We also regularly use pork smoked sausage, this is just what I had that day. The important part is to select smoked sausages as they are fully cooked. I invite you to choose the sausage you enjoy most.
Why did you use whole-wheat pasta? Whole wheat pasta is what I tend to buy for my family. However, you can use whatever pasta your family likes. I do recommend tube-shaped or corkscrew-shaped pasta for this recipe.
Make this one-pot smoked sausage and kale pasta on your next busy night. You won’t regret it. I promise. 😉
