Tuscan Kale and Sausage Ragu with Butternut Squash Fettuccine
Try this Tuscan Kale and Sausage Ragu with Butternut Squash Fettuccine recipe
Try this Tuscan Kale and Sausage Ragu with Butternut Squash Fettuccine recipe
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- olive oil to drizzle
- 1 small sweet onion diced
- 1.5 tablespoons tomato paste
- .75 pound spicy italian sausage decased and crumbled
- 1 (28 ounce) cans tuttorosso peeled plum tomatoes – no salt added
- 1/4 cup red wine (or beef broth)
- 4 cups chopped tuscan kale
- 1 cup canned white beans drained and rinsed
- 2 medium butternut squash
- fresh basil to garnish
- parmesan cheese to garnish
- Carbohydrate 80.5042465590732 g
- Cholesterol 64.636912725 mg
- Fat 27.3967435194971 g
- Fiber 13.4887043456797 g
- Protein 19.3355539637942 g
- Saturated Fat 9.72887341229667 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (790g)
- Sodium 677.676319730269 mg
- Sugar 67.0155422133934 g
- Trans Fat 1.70532049429831 g
- Calories 606 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Place a large pot over medium heat and add in the sausage. Crumble the sausage further with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 10 minutes.
- Then, add in the onions, garlic and red pepper flakes and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until onions turn translucent.
- Using your hands, crush the tomatoes over the pot. Using a wooden spoon, further crush the tomatoes so that no large chunks remain.
- Then, add in the tomato paste, wine (or broth), basil, oregano, bay leaf and season with salt and pepper.
- Raise the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium-low to a simmer.
- Cook for 30-35 minutes or until reduced by half and then stir in the kale and beans.
- Cook for another 5 minutes or until kale wilts and sauce is thick like a ragu.
- Peel and spiralize the butternut squash, using Blade B.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay out the butternut squash noodles.
- Drizzle with olive oil and massage it into the squash with your hands.
- Once you add the kale to the ragu, season with salt and pepper and roast for 8-10 minutes or until cooked to al dente.
- Divide the butternut squash noodles into bowls and top with the ragu, making sure to discard the bay leaf.
- Garnish with basil and Parmesan cheese.
A Busy Mom's Delight: Tuscan Kale and Sausage Ragu with Butternut Squash Fettuccine
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between school runs, work deadlines, and keeping the family fed, finding time for elaborate cooking feels like a luxury I rarely afford myself. Yet, I also crave delicious, healthy meals that nourish both my body and soul. This Tuscan Kale and Sausage Ragu with Butternut Squash Fettuccine recipe has become my go-to for a satisfying weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavour or ease of preparation. It's a beautiful blend of rustic Italian flavours, packed with wholesome ingredients, and surprisingly quick to make.
The butternut squash fettuccine is a revelation. Spiralizing the squash takes mere minutes, and roasting it brings out a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the rich, savory ragu. The ragu itself is wonderfully adaptable; feel free to swap out the sausage for chicken or even vegetarian alternatives depending on your preferences and what you have on hand. It's all about creating a flavourful base and building from there. I usually double the recipe and freeze half for another night, saving precious time during a busy week. The kale adds a vibrant green hue, and a hearty texture to the dish; it's a powerhouse of nutrients that adds depth without being overwhelming.
What truly makes this recipe a winner for me isn’t just its taste, but its versatility. It’s a blank canvas for improvisation. Sometimes, I add a splash of cream for extra richness, other times, I'll throw in some sun-dried tomatoes for a punchier flavour. Leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day, making it an efficient way to get ahead and manage my time more effectively. I often serve this dish with a simple side salad, a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the delicious sauce, and a glass of crisp white wine (when the kids are tucked in, of course!). It's a feast for the senses and a testament to the fact that healthy, flavorful meals can be enjoyed even during the most hectic of schedules.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are readily available at any grocery store, and the steps are straightforward, making it a recipe that even novice cooks can master. It's a recipe I've shared with friends and family, and it’s always received rave reviews. It's more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients transformed into something truly special. It’s a perfect representation of the joy that cooking can bring to even the busiest of lives – a small act of self-care in a world that often demands so much more.
This recipe is not just about feeding my family; it’s about creating a sense of comfort and connection. The aroma of simmering tomatoes and herbs fills my kitchen, transforming the space into a haven of warmth and familiarity. The act of preparing this meal becomes a form of mindfulness, a moment of calm amidst the chaos of everyday life. It's a recipe that embodies my journey as a working mom: embracing efficiency without compromising on quality, enjoying delicious food without sacrificing precious time, and finding moments of joy in the everyday.
Beyond the Recipe: This dish also makes for a fantastic make-ahead meal. Prepare the ragu a day or two in advance, and store it in the refrigerator. This way, you can easily assemble the entire dish on a busy weeknight by simply spiralizing the butternut squash and roasting it, and then tossing it with the pre-made ragu. This is a great way to reduce your weeknight cooking time and enjoy a truly delicious and nourishing meal.
So, embrace the simplicity, the deliciousness, and the ease of this Tuscan Kale and Sausage Ragu with Butternut Squash Fettuccine. It's a recipe that’s as versatile as it is delicious, perfect for busy weeknights, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust me, it's a recipe you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.
