Name: Baked Pasta with Kale
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 lb. whole-wheat penne or other short pasta; 1 medium bunch kale; 3 tbsp. olive oil; 1 package turkey Italian sausage; 1 onion; kosher salt; Pepper; 2 clove garlic; 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour; 1 c. 1-percent milk; 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 c. part-skim ricotta cheese; 4 oz. part-skim mozzarella; 2 oz. Parmesan

Step 1Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook the pasta according to package directions, adding the kale during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain the pasta and kale and return it to the pot.

Step 2Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until beginning to brown, 5 to 6 minutes; transfer to a bowl.

Step 3Add the onion and remaining 2 tablespoons oil to the skillet, season with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Step 4Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stirring constantly, gradually add the milk. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes; stir in the crushed red pepper.

Step 5Add the sauce to the pasta and kale and toss to coat. Add the sausage, tomatoes, ricotta and mozzarella and toss to combine. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 3-quart or 9- by 13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle with the Parmesan and bake until heated through and golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.

Baked Pasta with Kale

Ingredients

Directions

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