Rigatoni with Kale, Sausage, Cannellini Beans, Parmesan & Lemon

There are days when nothing hits quite like a big bowl of pasta. It’s comforting, hearty, and just the thing you want when you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug. This Rigatoni with Kale, Sausage, Cannellini Beans, Parmesan, and Lemon is exactly that kind of dish: bold, hearty, and bursting with flavour.

With the richness of sausage, the earthiness of kale, and the creamy goodness of cannellini beans, this pasta is everything you want in a cozy weeknight dinner. And the lemon juice? Oh, it adds that perfect pop of freshness to balance everything out. It’s the kind of meal that’s easy to make but feels a little fancy and totally satisfying.

So, grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Rigatoni with Kale and Sausage 

• Hearty & Satisfying: This pasta dish is packed with protein, fibre, and a mix of flavours that make it feel like a complete, wholesome meal. Sausage and cannellini beans bring richness, while kale adds a nutritious touch.

• Tons of Flavor: The combo of garlic, sausage, Parmesan, and lemon creates a symphony of flavours—rich, savoury, and fresh all at once. It’s the perfect balance of everything you crave in a pasta dish.

• Simple, But Special: Even though the ingredients are pretty basic, when they all come together, this dish feels extra special. It’s a great recipe to serve for a weeknight dinner, but also fancy enough to impress friends or family when they come over for a cozy dinner.

• One-Pot Wonder: You can make the entire dish in just one pan (plus a pot for the pasta), making cleanup a breeze.

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Rigatoni with Kale, Sausage, Cannellini Beans, Parmesan & Lemon

Yield: 6

Author: Jennifer Cartier

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 20 MinTotal time: 30 Min

Let’s get to the recipe! This one’s easy to follow, and you’ll have a delicious, comforting dinner on the table in no time.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb rigatoni pasta (or any pasta you like)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups kale (chopped, stems removed)
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
• Juice of 1 lemon (freshly squeezed)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
2. Cook the Sausage: While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (break it up with a spoon as it cooks) and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Kale: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Next, add the kale to the skillet. Stir it around until it starts to wilt, about 3-4 minutes. If the pan gets too dry, you can add a splash of water or some of the reserved pasta water.
4. Add the Beans: Stir in the cannellini beans and cook for a couple of minutes to warm them through. The beans will add a creamy texture that balances out the hearty sausage and kale.
5. Combine Everything: Now, add the cooked sausage back into the pan. Stir everything together to combine. Add the cooked rigatoni pasta and toss well to coat the pasta with the savoury sausage, kale, and beans. If the mixture feels a little dry, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create a silky sauce.
6. Finish with Lemon and Parmesan: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. The cheese will melt into the pasta, creating a creamy, cheesy coating, and the lemon juice will add a burst of fresh flavour to balance all the richness.
7. Season and Serve: Taste the pasta and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Serve the pasta hot, with extra Parmesan on top for good measure.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

712

Fat

32 g

Sat. Fat

11 g

Carbs

75 g

Fiber

7 g

Net carbs

69 g

Sugar

3 g

Protein

29 g

Sodium

752 mg

Cholesterol

65 mg

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Why This Dish is a Weeknight Hero 

This Rigatoni with Kale, Sausage, Cannellini Beans, Parmesan, and Lemon is the perfect example of a one-pan wonder that doesn’t skimp on flavour. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with a great balance of nutrients and flavours. The sausage brings a savoury richness, while the kale offers an earthy, slightly bitter contrast. The cannellini beans add creaminess and protein, and the lemon juice ties everything together with a pop of brightness.

Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some veggies into your meal without sacrificing taste. Whether you're cooking for a family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself to a delicious dinner, this dish checks all the boxes.

A Few Tips for the Perfect Pasta 

• Pasta Water: Don’t skip reserving some pasta water! It’s a secret weapon for making your sauce extra silky and helping the pasta absorb all those amazing flavours.

• Sausage Choice: Go for good-quality Italian sausage. You can use spicy sausage if you like a little heat, or mild sausage for a more balanced flavour.

• Add More Veggies: If you’re looking to sneak in more greens, feel free to throw in some zucchini or spinach along with the kale.

• Make It Your Own: This recipe is super customizable. Add some crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or maybe a dash of balsamic vinegar at the end for an extra layer of flavour.

This Rigatoni with Kale, Sausage, Cannellini Beans, Parmesan, and Lemon is everything you want in a pasta dish—hearty, flavour-packed, and satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug, and yet, it’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner. Whether you're cooking for a family or just treating yourself to a cozy evening at home, this dish is sure to please.