Sausage Kale Pasta

Ingredients

• 10.5 oz (300 g) orecchiette
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/3 cup (75 ml) dry white wine
• 2 1/2 cups (100 g) black kale (cavolo nero)
• 1 cup (200 ml) half and half (single cream)
• 1/3 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of water to a...: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it generously and cook the orecchiette according to the timings on the package until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. 2

   Heat the olive oil over medium heat in...: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.

3. 3

   Add the Italian sausage and cook for a...: Add the Italian sausage and cook for a couple of minutes until browned. Break it apart with your spoon as you go.

4. 4

   Stir in the garlic and red chili flakes...: Stir in the garlic and red chili flakes and continue to cook for another minute.

5. 5

   Mix in the tomato paste, then pour in...: Mix in the tomato paste, then pour in the dry white wine. Let simmer until slightly reduced.

6. 6

   Add the chopped kale and cook for 5...: Add the chopped kale and cook for 5 minutes with a lid on until wilted.

7. 7

   Lower the heat, then stir in the half...: Lower the heat, then stir in the half and half and simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens a bit.

8. 8

   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and...: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to make sure it’s well covered in sauce. If it looks too dry, stir in some of the pasta water.

9. 9

   Stir in the grated Parmesan, season to taste...: Stir in the grated Parmesan, season to taste and serve immediately, with some extra Parmesan on top if you like.