This Creamy Sausage and Kale Rigatoni is an absolute delight! It’s a perfect blend of spiciness, creaminess, and garlicky goodness—all the elements we love in a good pasta dish. Picture this: Italian sausage, vibrant kale, and juicy tomatoes simmered together in a rich, flavorful cream sauce. Every bite is an explosion of flavor. It’s a weeknight meal you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
As a toddler mom, I know the importance of an easy meal. Easy meals are very necessary. Most days I’m so tired by dinner time. Pasta is my lazy go-to. Literally throw a protein, some veggies, make a sauce pour it over/ mix with some pasta and boom. Dinner is ready!
The sweet and spiciness of the Italian sausage paired with thick kale leaves were a great combination. Hearty and delicious. This was my first time making a pasta with kale and I’m not mad at it at all. Spinach is my usual leafy green of choice. buttt it’s good to switch it up from time to time.
With fall right around the corner I feel inspired to experiment with all the seasonal vegetables and fruits. Tomatoes are in season so it’s the perfect time to put them to use.
Let’s get into this recipe… after all-that’s why you’re here.
Ingredients for Sausage and Kale Rigatoni
Here’s the ingredients you’ll need for this Creamy Sausage & Kale Rigatoni:
Italian sausage– the star of the show. I used Italian chicken sausage. You can also use ground turkey, pork whatever you’d like. I removed the casing and chopped it up to give more of a ground sausage vibe. The sweet and spicy flavor of the sausage really carries the pasta.
Kale- kale is such a strong leafy green. I love it in a lot of soups. made a great addition to the pasta.
Rigatoni- this has been a house favorite lately. Large noodles that soak up the delicious cream sauce
Heavy cream- y’all know heavy cream is a kitchen essential over here. You can literally make EVERYTHING with it.
Tomato/ Basil Marinara Sauce– you can also use tomato paste. Marinara sauce just added a nice flavor and color to the cream sauce. My favorite is Rao’s Marinara.
Garlic and shallots- Love a good shallot and garlic combo.
Parmesan Cheese– if you can try to use fresh parmesan. It blends into the sauce very well making the most creamy sauce.
Reasons you’ll love this Creamy Sausage and Kale Rigatoni?
- EASY! It’s super easy to make and comes together in about 30 minutes.
- It’s Flavorful. This pasta is packed with so much flavor. The sweetness of the tomatoes, spiciness of the sausage and overall creaminess of the pasta is comfort in a bowl.
Customize this Creamy Sausage and Kale Rigatoni
Feel free to swap out or add different proteins and veggies to this pasta.
Protein alternatives:
- chicken breast
- steak
- shrimp
- mushrooms
- zucchini
What to serve this Creamy Sausage and Kale Rigatoni?
- cheesy garlic bread
- salad
- grilled veggies
How To Store Leftover Sausage and Kale Rigatoni?
You can store your left over pasta in an airtight/storage container for up to 4 days.
More Pasta Recipes To Try
Creamy Cajun Pasta
Easy Asparagus & Cherry Tomato Pasta w/ Shrimp
Million Dollar Stuffed Shells
Quick & Easy Spicy Harissa Pasta
Pan-Roasted Zucchini Summer Pasta
If you try this Creamy Sausage and Kale Rigatoni please be sure to tag me on instagram #CookWithCi or leave a comment. I would love to see your thoughts.
Sausage and Kale Rigatoni
Ingredients
- 1 box Rigatoni Noodles
- 2-4 Italian Chicken Sausage or Turkey Sausage
- 1/2 shallot minced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Tomato Basil Marinara optional
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cup chopped kale
- 1/2 lemon
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp Tony's seasoning optional
- 1/4 tsp fennel seeds *see notes*
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- salt & pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese + more for topping
- 1/3 cup pasta water to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot bring salted water to a boil and cook noodles al dente, about 8-9 minutes.
- In a hot skillet over medium heat, add in olive oil and the sausage links. Break down until its individual pieces. Add in diced shallots and garlic and sautè for about 5 minutes.
- Add in heavy cream and marinara sauce and bring to a low simmer. Add in onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined. Add in some pasta water, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese.
- Add in cherry tomatoes and kale and cover. Allow to cook on low-medium for about 5-6 minutes. Add in noodles and mix until well combined.
- Reduce heat to low, add in 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese, season with additional seasonings if needed and mix again until the cheese is nice and melted.
- Serve in a bowl and top with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes and enjoy.
Notes
Did you make it?
Tag @cookwithci on Instagram and hashtag #CookwithCi
