Hearty Chickpea and Sausage Pasta with Kale
This Hearty Chickpea and Sausage Pasta with Kale is a delicious and nutritious dish that brings together the robust flavors of Italian sausage, the creaminess of chickpeas, and the vibrant, nutrient-rich green of kale. Ready in under 60 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that is easy to prepare and full of wholesome ingredients. Serve it warm, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for a comforting yet healthy dish that your family will love. Ideal for meal prep, it's both filling and satisfying, making it a must-try recipe!
4
Servings
300
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
short pasta
1/2 lb (uncooked)
Italian sausage meat
3/4 lb (casings removed)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking, plus additional for drizzling)
minced garlic
2 tablespoons
canned chickpeas
1 (15 1/2 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
kale
5 cups (ribbed and shredded)
grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (for drizzling)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the short pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage meat and cook until browned and opaque, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
4
Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas to the skillet and cook for another 3 minutes, allowing them to warm through.
5
Toss in the shredded kale and cook until wilted, approximately 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
6
Combine the cooked pasta with the sausage, chickpeas, and kale in the skillet. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and toss everything together, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
7
To finish, drizzle with additional olive oil and lemon juice before serving warm.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Chickpea and Sausage Pasta with Kale?
It is a nutritious dish combining Italian sausage, creamy chickpeas, and vibrant kale with short pasta, ready in under 60 minutes.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 300 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 17.5g of protein.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of short pasta, such as penne or rotini.
How much Italian sausage is needed?
You will need 3/4 lb of Italian sausage meat with the casings removed.
How much kale is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 5 cups of ribbed and shredded kale.
What is the total fat content?
There are 10g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 37.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How long does it take to cook the sausage?
The sausage should be cooked for 5-7 minutes until browned and opaque.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of minced garlic.
How do I prepare the chickpeas?
Use one 15.5 ounce can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained.
What kind of cheese is recommended for topping?
The dish is topped with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
When should I add the lemon juice?
One tablespoon of lemon juice should be drizzled over the dish just before serving.
How long should the kale be cooked?
The kale should be tossed in the skillet and cooked for approximately 2-3 minutes until wilted.
What is the cooking time for the chickpeas in the skillet?
The chickpeas should cook for about 3 minutes to warm through.
How should the pasta be cooked?
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until it is al dente.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prep as it is filling, satisfying, and easy to prepare.
How long should I cook the garlic?
Add the garlic after the sausage is browned and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
What oil is used for cooking?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil for cooking, plus extra for drizzling.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a meal that takes less than 60 minutes to prepare.
What are the primary flavor profiles?
The dish features robust Italian sausage, creamy chickpeas, and fresh kale.
What seasonings are suggested?
Salt and black pepper are added to taste.
Can I use different types of beans?
While the recipe specifies chickpeas, you could substitute other canned beans like cannellini if needed.
Is this dish considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and a weeknight dinner.
How is the kale prepared before cooking?
The kale should be ribbed and shredded before being added to the skillet.
What makes this dish 'hearty'?
The combination of protein-rich sausage and fiber-rich chickpeas makes it a very filling and hearty meal.
Is the sausage cooked with the casings on?
No, the casings should be removed before cooking the sausage meat.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to drizzle the pasta with additional olive oil and lemon juice.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is a comforting and healthy dish that is perfect for a family dinner.