---
title: Perfect Penne Pasta
source:
  name: HelloFresh
  url: https://www.hellofresh.com/recipes/perfect-penne-pasta-5927173a3131004ca3676092
servings: 4
prep time: 10 minutes
cook time: 25 minutes
time required: 35 minutes
difficulty: Easy
allergens:
  - Wheat
  - Milk
tags:
  - Comfort Food
  - Pasta
  - Quick
  - High Protein
  - One-Pan
rating: 4.0
rating_count: 4000
source_chef: Recipe Development Team
review_highlights:
  - theme: Flavor
    text: Gooey and satisfying like lasagna without the hassle
  - theme: Ease of prep
    text: Quick weeknight favorite with al dente pasta and tender kale
image: "https://images.recipes.furrysalamander.com/Pasta%20Recipes/Penne/perfect-penne-pasta.avif"
---
Preheat #oven{} to 400°F. Bring a #large pot{} of @water{4%quarts} to a boil. Prepare @red onion{1%piece}(diced), @garlic{3%cloves}(minced), @kale{4%oz}(chopped), @thyme{1%tsp}(stripped), and @italian chicken sausage{16%oz}(removed from casing). Measure @olive oil{1.5%tbsp}, @tuscan heat spice{1%tbsp}, @penne pasta{12%oz}, @diced tomatoes{14%oz}, @mozzarella cheese{1%cup}, @parmesan cheese{0.5%cup}, @salt{to taste}, and @black pepper{to taste}.

Heat 1%tbsp olive oil in a #large pan{} over medium-high heat. Add red onion and cook until softened, ~{4%minutes}. Toss in garlic and 1%tsp tuscan heat spice. Cook until fragrant, ~{1%minute}.

Add italian chicken sausage to pan, breaking up meat into pieces. Cook until lightly browned, ~{5%minutes}.

Once water is boiling, add penne pasta to pot. After ~{7%minutes}, add kale to pot. Cook until kale is softened and penne pasta is al dente, ~{3%minutes} more. Drain.

Meanwhile, stir diced tomatoes and thyme into pan with sausage mixture. Season with salt and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer until pasta is ready. Stir penne pasta and kale into pan after draining. Season with salt and black pepper. If your pan is not ovenproof, transfer mixture to a #baking dish{}.

Sprinkle penne mixture with mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese. Bake in oven until cheese is melted and bubbly, ~{5%minutes}. Divide between plates and serve.