Spaghetti with Sausage and Kale.(Linda Gassenheimer/TNS)

Spicy turkey sausage plays well with kale for this quick and easy pasta dinner for two.

Look for young or baby kale if possible, for a sweeter kale flavor. If it’s not available, use any type of kale and be sure to chop it well.

Helpful Hints:

• Any type of pasta sauce can be used.

• Any type of pasta can be used.

Countdown:

• Place water for pasta on to boil.

• Prepare ingredients.

• Cook pasta and kale.

• While pasta cooks, saute sausage, onion and garlic.

Shopping List:

To buy: 1 bunch kale, 1 package whole wheat spaghetti, 1⁄2 lb spicy or hot lean turkey sausage, 1 jar reduced-sodium pasta sauce and 1 small piece Parmesan cheese.

Staples: olive oil, onion, minced garlic, salt and black peppercorns.

SPAGHETTI WITH 
SAUSAGE AND KALE

Yield 2 servings.

Per serving: 605 calories (15 percent from fat), 10.2 g fat (3.4 g saturated, 4.8 g monounsaturated), 50 mg cholesterol, 39.8 g protein, 82.7 g carbohydrates, 6.1 g fiber, 756 mg sodium.

4 oz kale, stems removed and leaves coarsely chopped (about 3 Cs)

1⁄4 lb whole-wheat spaghetti

1⁄2 TBS olive oil

1⁄2 lb spicy or hot lean turkey sausage, cut into 3⁄4-1-inch slices

1 C sliced onion

2 tsp minced garlic

1⁄2 C reduced-sodium pasta sauce

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1⁄4 C coarsely grated Parmesan cheese

Place a large saucepan filled with water on to boil. When it comes to a boil, add the kale and spaghetti. Stir and boil 8 minutes or until spaghetti is cooked al dente.

While pasta and kale cook, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over med-high heat. Add the sausage, onion and garlic. Saute 5 minutes, stirring once or twice. Add the pasta sauce and saute 2 more minutes.

Drain the pasta and kale and add salt and pepper to taste. Divide between two dinner plates and serve the sausage and vegetables on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Recipe by Linda Gassenheimer