This simple pasta dish is made with quality ingredients for a quick weeknight meal or a deceptively impressive dish to serve guests.
This is one of those recipes that I didn’t make with the plan of putting it on the blog. In fact, it wasn’t really a “recipe” but more of a way to use up leftovers in the fridge and pantry. But after just a few bites I was regretting not taking pictures of it so I could share it with you. But being the selfless guy he is, Bry suggested I make it again the next week so I could take pictures this time – I’m sure it wasn’t just an excuse to eat it again ;).
While I’m by no means an expert in Italian cooking (not even close), but what I have learned is that the best Italian food is the simplest. Because we’re working with minimal ingredients, it’s important to go for quality. Fresh cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and good-quality olive oil are key. To get in some greens, I used leftover kale, but feel free to use spinach instead. And for the parmesan cheese, I recommend buying a block and shredding it at home.
Curious as to what makes kale such a healthy vegetable? There’s a great article over at HealthyLine.com that gives a full run-down on all the health benefits of kale, including heart health, type 2 diabetes protection, and healthy-looking skin and hair.
For those of you who celebrate, happy Easter weekend! Bry and I are heading down to Connecticut to spend it with family. Unfortunately I picked this month to do a no-added sugar challenge so there won’t be any chocolate bunnies for me, but luckily there will be plenty of good food to keep my stomach nice and full 😉
So here’s a toast to keeping it simple this Friday!
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So easy, so stinkin’ delicious. I love everything about these! Definitely putting it at the top of my dinners to-do list!
Thanks Karly! Hope you like it when you try it!
Just made this — yum! Perfect Monday night dinner. I’m trying to get back into cooking and this recipe requires just enough ‘cooking’ to not overwhelm me. Although – I did burn the garlic on my first go…progress, not perfection! Thanks Kelli (and Bryan)!
Yay! I’m glad you liked it Caroline! Haha it is a nice balance between a home-cooked meal and a simple dinner 😉
This looks so simple and so delicious– a win/win! And what a great way to pack in those veggies. Yum!
Thanks Jessica 🙂
Yum, love the use of chicken sausage here! Perfect summer meal!
Thanks Lauren! Chicken sausage is my favorite protein with pasta.
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