Creamy Pasta with Kale, Turkey Sausage, and Sun Dried Tomatoes

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Kale Turkey Sausage Pasta

This creamy kale turkey sausage pasta is a go-to meal for anyone seeking a delicious and simple dinner. It’s packed with nutrient-rich kale and lean turkey sausage, making it a balanced option for busy weeknights. The combination of flavors from the sausage, greens, and creamy sauce creates a satisfying dish that’s both wholesome and flavorful. With its quick prep and cook time, you’ll find it perfect for families or anyone wanting a nutritious meal without fuss. Plus, this recipe adapts to various dietary needs, so it’s easy to customize with what you have on hand.

The ease of preparation stands out, as this creamy kale turkey sausage pasta uses straightforward steps and minimal ingredients. Health benefits abound with its high protein from turkey sausage and vitamins from kale, supporting everyday wellness. Its versatility allows for swaps like plant-based options, keeping the taste intact. What makes it special is the unique blend of savory elements that turn a simple pasta into something memorable.

Essential Ingredients for Creamy Kale Turkey Sausage Pasta

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this creamy kale turkey sausage pasta turn out great. Each item plays a role in creating the dish’s rich flavors and textures. Below is a complete list of everything you’ll need, pulled straight from the recipe to ensure you get the exact amounts for success.

• 12 ounces dry penne pasta (about 3 3/4 cups)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian turkey sausage links (casings removed and crumbled; mild or hot, not sweet)
• 10 sun-dried tomatoes in oil (1/2 cup), drained, patted dry, and sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 bunch kale (8 ounces), ribs removed and chopped (about 4 cups packed)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

This list covers all the essentials, making it simple to measure and prepare. For special dietary options, you can go vegan by swapping turkey sausage with plant-based versions and using coconut cream instead of dairy. If you’re gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta and check for gluten-free sausage. For a lower-calorie version, select lighter cream or reduce cheese while using leaner turkey sausage cuts.

How to Prepare the Perfect Creamy Kale Turkey Sausage Pasta: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started with creamy kale turkey sausage pasta begins with organizing your ingredients for smooth cooking. First, prepare everything by chopping the kale, mincing the garlic, and crumbling the turkey sausage. This step sets you up for an efficient process that minimizes stress in the kitchen. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente, then drain it while reserving some pasta water for later.

Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the turkey sausage, cooking until it’s browned and fully done. Follow by adding the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, sautéing briefly to build flavor. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, then mix in the chopped kale and cook until it wilts and becomes tender, seasoning with salt and pepper as you go.

In a separate pan, melt the butter and stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking it for about a minute. Gradually whisk in the milk to avoid lumps, letting it thicken before adding the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Combine this creamy mixture with the sausage and kale, then toss in the cooked pasta. Adjust the sauce with reserved pasta water if needed for the perfect consistency. For adaptations, use plant-based sausage for vegan options or gluten-free pasta as required.

Detailed Directions for Creamy Kale Turkey Sausage Pasta

Here are the full directions to guide you through: Cook pasta according to package instructions, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add crumbled turkey sausage, and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic, sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and scrape the pan, then add chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.

In another saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, stir in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in milk until smooth, season, and cook until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Mix everything together in the skillet, add pasta, and use reserved water to adjust consistency. Serve warm for a comforting meal.

This recipe, with its total prep and cook time of just 35 minutes, makes it ideal for busy evenings. For more ideas on quick meals, check out our easy pasta recipes section on the blog.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Creamy Kale Turkey Sausage Pasta

Making creamy kale turkey sausage pasta your own is all about smart swaps based on what you prefer or need. For protein options, swap turkey sausage with chicken sausage, Italian sausage, or plant-based alternatives to fit dietary choices. If you’re going vegan, use tofu or tempeh as a substitute, seasoning it well to match the dish’s savory notes. These changes keep the recipe flexible and delicious no matter your restrictions.

When it comes to vegetables, try spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens in place of kale for a fresh twist. For the sauce, switch heavy cream with cashew cream, almond milk, or coconut cream to create a dairy-free version. Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary to tweak the flavors, ensuring the dish stays adaptable while holding onto its core appeal. This approach lets everyone enjoy a personalized version of creamy kale turkey sausage pasta.

Mastering Creamy Kale Turkey Sausage Pasta: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your creamy kale turkey sausage pasta to the next level involves a few pro techniques and creative twists. Brown the turkey sausage over medium-high heat to get that deep, caramelized flavor that makes the dish pop. For added depth, deglaze the pan with broth or wine after cooking the sausage. Flavor variations can include sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or a dash of red pepper flakes to spice things up.

Presentation matters, so garnish your pasta with freshly grated parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and chopped parsley for a nice look. If you’re prepping ahead, make the sauce and sausage mixture in advance and combine it with fresh pasta when ready. Learn more about ingredient techniques in our healthy ingredient tutorials. These tips help integrate phrases like creamy turkey kale pasta naturally for better searches.

How to Store Creamy Kale Turkey Sausage Pasta: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your creamy kale turkey sausage pasta tasting fresh for later. Put leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer hold, freeze the pasta and sauce separately in safe containers, where they can last up to 2 months. When reheating, use a skillet on low heat and add a bit of cream or water to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from drying out.

Meal prep is easier if you portion the dish into individual servings before storing, cutting down on waste and making grab-and-go meals simple. These methods ensure your creamy kale turkey sausage pasta stays delicious. For more on nutrition, check out this external resource on turkey sausage.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Kale Turkey Sausage Pasta

Creamy Kale Turkey Sausage Pasta

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🍝 This Creamy Pasta with Kale, Turkey Sausage, and Sun Dried Tomatoes offers a hearty and nutritious meal that’s full of flavor and texture.
🌿 It’s a balanced dish with lean protein, vibrant veggies, and a luscious sauce, perfect for a satisfying and wholesome dinner.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

– 12 ounces dry penne pasta (about 3 3/4 cups)

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 pound Italian turkey sausage links (casings removed and crumbled; mild or hot, not sweet)

– 10 sun-dried tomatoes in oil (1/2 cup), drained, patted dry, and sliced

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1/2 cup chicken broth

– 1 bunch kale (8 ounces), ribs removed and chopped (about 4 cups packed)

– 2 tablespoons butter

– 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

– 1 3/4 cups milk

– 1/4 cup heavy cream

– 1/3 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese

– Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1-Getting started with creamy kale turkey sausage pasta begins with organizing your ingredients for smooth cooking. First, prepare everything by chopping the kale, mincing the garlic, and crumbling the turkey sausage. This step sets you up for an efficient process that minimizes stress in the kitchen. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente, then drain it while reserving some pasta water for later.

2-Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the turkey sausage, cooking until it’s browned and fully done. Follow by adding the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, sautéing briefly to build flavor. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, then mix in the chopped kale and cook until it wilts and becomes tender, seasoning with salt and pepper as you go.

3-In a separate pan, melt the butter and stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking it for about a minute. Gradually whisk in the milk to avoid lumps, letting it thicken before adding the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Combine this creamy mixture with the sausage and kale, then toss in the cooked pasta. Adjust the sauce with reserved pasta water if needed for the perfect consistency. For adaptations, use plant-based sausage for vegan options or gluten-free pasta as required.

4-Detailed Directions for Creamy Kale Turkey Sausage Pasta Here are the full directions to guide you through: Cook pasta according to package instructions, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add crumbled turkey sausage, and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic, sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and scrape the pan, then add chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.

5-In another saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, stir in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in milk until smooth, season, and cook until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Mix everything together in the skillet, add pasta, and use reserved water to adjust consistency. Serve warm for a comforting meal.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍴 Turkey sausage offers a leaner alternative with great flavor.
🍅 Buy extra sun-dried tomatoes to use in other recipes.
🌿 Add fresh basil or oregano for a flavor boost.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Sautéing and Sauce Making
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: High-Protein

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 665
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 1075mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 69g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 90mg