Hey, friends! If there’s one thing I can always count on to bring smiles to my kids’ faces, it’s pasta. Honestly, if they could eat it for every meal, I think they would! It’s a favorite of mine to serve too because every one of them practically cheers when they see it on the menu. Plus, with our busy schedules, pasta dishes like this sausage and kale pasta bake are lifesavers—quick, easy, and packed with hearty ingredients to keep everyone satisfied.
This recipe has become a staple in our house. It’s simple enough for an easy weeknight dinner, yet delicious enough to serve at a casual dinner party. We usually use rotini or elbow pasta, but really, you can use any type you have on hand. The combination of smoky sausage, nutrient-rich kale, and a creamy cheese sauce makes this dish not only comforting but also a sneaky way to get some greens onto everyone’s plates. (I’m always looking for ways to do that!)
So whether you’re juggling sports practices, homework, or just one of those days where you don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen, this sausage and kale pasta bake is the perfect solution for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- Pasta – This creamy Italian sausage pasta recipe works best with a penne pasta or elbow pasta.
- Simple White Sauce – Grandma Tweed has passed down her 20 minute simple white sauce recipe to me and I have shared it with you over on my blog.
- Sausage – Smokies or Italian sausage works really well for this recipe. You can also use sweet Italian sausage or spicy Italian sausage.
- Kale – If you have the opportunity to grow kale in your garden, try to make this dish with freshly picked kale. It gives the dish a whole different appreciation when the food is picked from your backyard right before cooking.
- Cheddar Cheese – If you have the time to shred a brick of cheese yourself, it will have a more creamy texture, but using pre-shredded cheese will work as well. It just takes a little longer to melt.
- Paprika – I love to use smoked paprika when I am in the mood for a pinch of additional flavor. Paprika makes the dish look a little extra delicious.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350. Place a pot of water on the stove over medium-high heat. Once it is boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, make a batch of Grandma Tweedy’s White Sauce.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil and cook the sausage until lightly browned. Add the kale to the skillet and cook until slightly cooked down.
- Add the cooked pasta and white sauce to the sausage mixture, stirring until combined.
- If your skillet is not oven-proof, pour your pasta sausage mix into a casserole dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of paprika.
- Bake the Sausage and Pasta Bake with White Sauce uncovered for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Helpful Tools
Here are a few tools I recommend to make this recipe even easier:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for browning sausage
- Casserole dish for baking
- Wooden spoon for stirring
I’ve linked some of my favorite kitchen tools here (affiliate links).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
With the perfect balance of savory sausage, tender greens, and cheesy goodness, this pasta bake is everything you could want in a comforting meal. It looks impressive coming out of the oven but takes minimal effort, which is exactly what we need on busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a hit with the whole family, making it a regular in our meal rotation.
Sausage and Kale Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 4 cups pasta of your choice We use Rotini or Elbow usually. Cooked as per package instructions. I always add a tsp of salt to the water to add a bit of flavour.
- Simple White Sauce
- 4 smokies or sausage of your choice cut into 12 inch round slices
- 2 cups kale chopped
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- Pinch paprika
Instructions
- Cook Pasta according to package directions. Add a tsp of salt to the water for flavour.
- While Pasta is cooking make the Simple White Sauce
- Fry the sausage until lightly browned and add the Kale until it's cooked down slightly
- Mix sausage and Kale into the pasta
- Add the White sauce a mix well.
- Top with Cheddar cheese and sprinkle with Paprika
- Bake at 350 Fahrenheit for 20 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Notes
Nutrition
Tips for Success
This delicious meal is endlessly adaptable. If you don’t have kale on hand, swap it for fresh spinach or even broccoli. For more flavor, try spicy sausage, mild Italian sausage, or add a dash of tomato paste to the cheese sauce. You can also make this dish ahead of time—just store it in an airtight container and reheat it for a fuss-free dinner later.
If you’re a fan of meal prep, this sausage and kale pasta bake freezes beautifully. I like to portion it out into individual servings for easy lunches. Just thaw and pop in the oven for a quick and satisfying meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A: Absolutely! You can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a spicy Italian sausage if you like a kick of heat.
Q: I don’t have kale—can I substitute another green?
A: Yes! Fresh spinach, Swiss chard, or even broccoli make great alternatives.
Q: How do I prevent my cheese sauce from curdling?
A: Make sure you cook the sauce over medium heat and stir continuously with a wooden spoon to keep it smooth.
Let me know if you try this sausage and kale pasta bake! I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, check out the recipe section on the blog. Here’s to many cozy, pasta-filled dinners ahead!
2 thoughts on “Easy Sausage and Kale Pasta Bake Recipe for Busy Weeknights”
Do you have a receipt for the simple white sauce ? Ive never made it
Thanks in advance
Connie O.
Hi Connie. The simple white sauce recipe is posted on the blog as well 🙂 You can find it Here.