Creamy Chorizo Mushroom and Kale Penne
This delicious Creamy Chorizo Mushroom and Kale Penne is a hearty and wholesome weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. I created this recipe in an effort to incorporate more kale into our family's diet while using up some ingredients I already had on hand. With the savory depth of chorizo, the earthy heartiness of portobello mushrooms, and the nutrient-dense goodness of kale, this dish has quickly become a family favorite. My boys (ages 9, 10, and 13) devoured it! The creamy sauce adds richness and depth, making it a perfect comfort food. For added nutrition and variety, consider mixing in some cannellini beans next time. Whether you're feeding a family or some friends, this pasta dish is sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/2 cup (melted)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Chorizo Sausage
1/2 cup (diced (about 2 links))
Garlic
2 tablespoons (minced)
Kale
2 cups (chopped)
Mushroom
1 lb (diced (preferably portobello))
Flour
2 tablespoons (none)
Milk or Cream
1-2 cups (depending on desired thickness)
Hungarian Paprika
2 tablespoons (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Pasta
1 lb (cooked, drained, and warm (whole wheat penne recommended))
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2
Stir in the diced chorizo and minced garlic. Cook for another 3 minutes until the chorizo is slightly crispy.
3
Add the chopped kale to the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the kale is wilted and tender.
4
Next, incorporate the diced mushrooms and cook for an additional 3 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices.
5
Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to combine. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
6
Gradually add the milk or cream, stirring constantly. Add the Hungarian paprika and continue to stir until the sauce is bubbling and has thickened to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7
To serve, spoon the creamy chorizo mushroom and kale mixture over the cooked warm pasta, tossing gently to combine. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
50g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chorizo Mushroom and Kale Penne?
It is a hearty and wholesome weeknight meal that combines savory chorizo, earthy portobello mushrooms, and nutrient-dense kale in a rich, creamy sauce served over pasta.
What type of chorizo should be used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of diced chorizo sausage, which is approximately 2 links.
What kind of mushrooms are best for this recipe?
Portobello mushrooms are recommended for their earthy heartiness, though 1 lb of any diced mushroom can be used.
How do I prepare the kale for this dish?
You should use 2 cups of chopped kale and cook it in the skillet for about 10 minutes until it is wilted and tender.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe recommends using 1 lb of cooked and drained whole wheat penne pasta.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the creator mentions their boys aged 9, 10, and 13 devoured the dish, making it a great family-friendly option.
Can I add other ingredients for extra nutrition?
Yes, the recipe suggests mixing in cannellini beans for added nutrition and variety.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 15g of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of this meal?
This pasta dish provides 15g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates does a serving contain?
There are 50g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of paprika should I use for the sauce?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of Hungarian paprika to flavor the creamy sauce.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of minced garlic.
What is the base of the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made from a roux of butter and flour, combined with 1-2 cups of milk or cream.
How much butter is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of melted butter.
How long should the onions be cooked?
The chopped onion should be cooked for about 5 minutes or until translucent.
When do I add the chorizo to the pan?
Stir in the diced chorizo after the onions are translucent and cook for another 3 minutes until slightly crispy.
How do I prevent the sauce from having a raw flour taste?
After sprinkling the flour over the mixture, let it cook for 1-2 minutes before adding the milk or cream.
How much milk or cream should I add?
You can add between 1 and 2 cups depending on your desired sauce thickness.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, the creamy sauce and hearty ingredients make it a perfect comfort food dish.
How do I serve the final dish?
Spoon the creamy chorizo mushroom and kale mixture over warm pasta and toss gently to combine.
How long should the mushrooms be cooked?
Cook the diced mushrooms for about 3 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
What size onion is required?
One medium onion, chopped, is sufficient for this recipe.
Does the recipe include fiber information?
No specific fiber count is provided in the recipe data, though the use of kale and whole wheat pasta adds natural fiber.
Can I use cream instead of milk?
Yes, the recipe allows for either milk or cream depending on how rich you want the sauce to be.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include pasta, chorizo, mushrooms, kale, creamy sauce, weeknight meal, family-friendly, comfort food, and hearty.
How much Hungarian paprika is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of Hungarian paprika.
Should the pasta be warm when serving?
Yes, the mixture should be served over cooked, drained, and warm pasta.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is specifically described as a hearty and wholesome weeknight meal.