Easy One-pan Sausage & Kale Skillet Recipe

With the number of mentions of kale on this site, you might think the leafy green signed an exclusive partnership with us, but no, it's just that good! Last week, we discussed the remarkable benefits of kale as a vision-boosting superfood. Today, I have another delectable recipe that seamlessly incorporates kale into your meal plan: the Sausage & Kale Skillet. This recipe, I originally discovered on BudgetBytes, is not only quick and easy to prepare but is also a hit with the whole family.

To maximize the cooking space and efficiently cook down the kale, I prefer using my wok for this recipe. Otherwise just find the deepest skillet or pan you have on hand that can be covered. If your family can handle some heat, I enjoy using spicy Italian sausage to give it an extra kick. Otherwise, feel free to use any type of sausage that suits your family's taste buds.

If you find yourself without mozzarella cheese on hand, don't fret! Just about any shredded cheese will work well, or you can even opt to skip the cheese altogether. While my family and I typically have this dish as is, if you want a more filling meal, you could also serve it over cooked pasta.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian Sausage (approximately 4-5 links)
• 1 bunch kale
• 1 15-ounce can chickpeas
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Brown sausage: Begin by squeezing the sausage out of its casings into your pan. Cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks, until it is fully browned.
2. Prep kale: While the sausage is cooking, thoroughly wash the kale and remove the woody stems. Tear the kale into smaller, manageable pieces. If you have a salad spinner, use it to dry the kale. If not, shake off as much water as possible. The kids love to help with this step!
3. Cook kale: Add the kale to the skillet and stir it into the sausage. Continue cooking until the kale is fully wilted, which usually takes just a few minutes.
4. Add chickpeas: Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Then, add them to the skillet and stir to combine with the sausage and kale mixture.
5. Add sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the skillet, evenly distributing it across the ingredients. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Simmer & Melt cheese: Place a lid on the skillet to cover it, reduce the heat to low, and allow the dish to simmer until the cheese is melted. Usually about 5-10 minutes.

Voila! Your Sausage & Kale Skillet is now ready to be enjoyed by the entire family. The savory flavors of the sausage, combined with the earthy essence of kale and the creaminess of melted cheese, create a wholesome and satisfying dish. My kids love the chickpeas best. They not only enhance the texture but also provide an extra source of protein and fiber.

Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your family's preferences! Let us know in the comments when you give it a try and tell us what you think.