Baked Pasta With Kale

Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 55 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 1 lb penne, whole wheat (or other short pasta)
• 1 lb kale, stems discarded and leaves cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 20 ounces turkey sausage, italian, casings removed
• 1 onion, chopped
• kosher salt
• pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk, 1%
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 14 1/2 ounces diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 4 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 ounces parmesan cheese, grated

Recipe

• 1 heat oven to 350 degrees f. cook the pasta according to package directions, adding the kale during the last 3 minutes of cooking. drain the pasta and kale and return it to the pot.
• 2 meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until beginning to brown, 5 to 6 minutes; transfer to a bowl.
• 3 add the onion and remaining 2 tablespoons oil to the skillet, season with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until tender, 6 to 8 minutes. stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
• 4 sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. stirring constantly, gradually add the milk. simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes; stir in the crushed red pepper.
• 5 add the sauce to the pasta and kale and toss to coat. add the sausage, tomatoes, ricotta and mozzarella and toss to combine. transfer the pasta mixture to a 3-quart or 9- by 13-inch casserole dish. sprinkle with the parmesan and bake until heated through and golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.