Pasta with Italian Sausage, Kale and Mushrooms

Cook pasta in a large stock pot of generously-salted boiling water al dente according to package instructions. Then reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water on the side for later. Drain the pasta, and set it aside.

Meanwhile, as the pasta water is heating and the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and sauté, flipping and stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and crispy on both sides. Transfer the sausage to a separate plate with a slotted spoon, and set aside.

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil to the pan (or add less oil if you’re using traditional sausage that left behind grease after cooking), and add the mushrooms. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Then add in the kale and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes more, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant and the kale is softened. Add in the white wine and crushed red pepper flakes, and stir to combine. Simmer for 1 minute.

Combine the cooked pasta with the mushroom mixture and sausage, and toss to combine. Stir in some of the reserved pasta water if you’d like a slightly more saucy pasta.

Serve immediately, garnished with lots of Parmesan cheese.