Lemon Penne with Sausage & Kale
Lemon Penne with Sausage & Kale represents a modern twist on traditional Italian pasta recipes. This dish combines elements of Italian cuisine, such as the use of sausage and pasta, with contemporary ingredients like kale and lemon. The bright, zesty lemon adds a fresh twist to the savory sausage and earthy kale, creating a balanced and flavorful meal. It’s an example of how creative home cooks innovate by blending traditional and modern flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlie finely chopped
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 lb Italian sausage casing removed
- 1 bunch kale stems removed and roughly chopped
- 2 1/2 cup half & half
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 med lemon both the zest and juice
- nutmeg (to taste) freshly grated
- salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat and add garlic, onion and red chili flakes. Cook until golden brown
- Add sausage, and cook, breaking it up into small pieces until browned
- Add kale, season with salt and pepper, and cook until wilted
- Add half and half and bring to a simmer; cook, stirring occasionally until reduced by a third
- Stir in Parmesan, juice and zest, nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper; set aside and keep warm
- Cook penne per package instructions. Reserving 1/2 cup cooking water when draining
- Combine pasta and reserved sauce (adding reserved pasta water if desired) and cook about 5 minutes more. Garnished with parsley