Pork & Chili Sausage Gigli with Cavolo Nero

A Hearty, Flavorful Pasta Dish with a Spicy Kick

This Pork & Chili Sausage Gigli with Cavolo Nero is the ultimate Italian-inspired comfort dish. Rich, crispy sausage, tender cavolo nero, and sweet garlic come together in a simple yet incredibly satisfying sauce. Finished with toasted breadcrumbs and Parmigiano for a perfect crunch, this dish delivers bold flavor in every bite.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 25 minutes

• Rest Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: ~45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 12 oz Gigli pasta (or substitute with casarecce or orecchiette)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 12 oz pork & chili sausage (casings removed)

• 4 garlic cloves, finely sliced

• 6 cups cavolo nero (Tuscan kale), roughly chopped

• 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano

• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko or Italian-style)

• 1 tbsp butter (for toasting the breadcrumbs)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Add the Gigli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

• Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Cook the Sausage

• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add the pork & chili sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.

• Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and crispy.

• Transfer the sausage to a plate and leave the flavorful oils in the pan.

3. Prepare the Sauce

• In the same skillet, add the sliced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

• Toss in the cavolo nero and cook for 3-4 minutes until wilted and tender.

• Return the cooked sausage to the skillet.

4. Combine the Pasta & Sauce

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.

• Stir in 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta.

• Toss everything together, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Toast the Breadcrumbs

• In a small pan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.

• Add the breadcrumbs and toast for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.

6. Serve and Finish

• Plate the pasta and sprinkle generously with toasted breadcrumbs and grated Parmigiano Reggiano.

• Serve immediately with extra Parmigiano on the side.

🍷 Wine Pairing

This hearty, spicy dish pairs beautifully with wines that complement the richness of the sausage and the earthy cavolo nero.

Wine Type	Region	Recommended Brands
Chianti Classico	Tuscany, Italy	Castello di Ama, Ruffino Riserva Ducale
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo	Abruzzo, Italy	Masciarelli, Valle Reale
Zinfandel	California, USA	Rombauer, Turley

• Chianti Classico balances the richness of the sausage with its bright acidity and notes of cherry and herbs.

• Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is smooth yet bold, perfect for cutting through the sausage's richness.

• Zinfandel offers a jammy, peppery profile that pairs perfectly with the chili-spiced sausage.

👨‍🍳 Chef’s Tips for Perfecting This Dish

✅ Crispy Sausage is Key: Cook the sausage over medium heat and let it caramelize slightly — those crispy bits are loaded with flavor.

✅ Don’t Rush the Garlic: Cook it just until fragrant (about 30 seconds to 1 minute). Overcooked garlic will turn bitter.

✅ Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy liquid helps emulsify the sauce, making it silky and luxurious.

✅ For Extra Heat: Add a pinch of Calabrian chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil before serving.

✅ Boost the Greens: If you want more veggies, try adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for added depth.

🚫 Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: Since it finishes cooking in the sauce, drain it while still slightly firm for perfect texture.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Servings: 4

• Total Calories: ~650 kcal

• Total Carbohydrates: ~65g

• Fiber: ~5g

• Sugar: ~4g

• Protein: ~28g

• Total Fat: ~32g

• Saturated Fat: ~12g

• Trans Fat: ~0g

• Cholesterol: ~70mg

• Sodium: ~850mg

Why You'll Love This Dish

This Pork & Chili Sausage Gigli with Cavolo Nero combines bold flavors, hearty textures, and just the right touch of spice. It’s cozy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a dinner party.

For the full recipe and more delicious pasta inspiration, check our recipe page.