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This is the archived version of the Milk Street website and is no longer up to date.

Please visit 177milkstreet.com to see the current website with all of the latest recipes!

Creamy Pasta with Sausage and Hardy Greens

4 to 6 Servings

45 minutes

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This simple one-pot dish was inspired by the northern Italian pairing of pasta or risotto with bitter chicories and hearty sausage. Our take employs a straightforward method: sauté onions and garlic, then incorporate sausage and your robust green of choice (lacinato kale, radicchio and escarole—or even a combination—are great). From there, rich cream, nutty Parmesan, tangy lemon juice and a splash of starchy pasta water complete the silky-smooth sauce. We love the way twisty gemelli and cavatappi catch bits of sausage and stewy greens, but feel free to use any short pasta you have on hand.

4 to 6

Servings

Tip

Don't undercook the greens. They should be fully tender, merely wilted before the pasta is added to the pot.

45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1

    pound gemelli, cavatappi or other short pasta

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

Directions

Reviews
KARI W.
August 11, 2026
Yum!
I used more garlic, more kale, and probably a bit more cream. Added chilies. This is delicious, and fairly quick to put together. Definitely going into rotation.
Jennifer B.
August 4, 2025
Wonderful
Perfect pasta recipe. The cream and lemon finished it off perfectly. Get good sausage and 4 cups of kale is enough! I used lacinato.
Yaoli Y.
March 4, 2023
Light and delicious
Very tasty, agree with others that more kale is perfect. Also added some mushrooms and red pepper flakes. Easy weeknight dinner!
Diana C.
December 16, 2022
Pleased!
My husband and I were both pleased with this dish. Will make again (with a little more kale)!
Brenda S.
December 10, 2022
Quick, easy, and delicious.
I increased the kale and will add more spice next time to give it some kick.

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