Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it up with a spatula or wooden spoon. Add the onion as well, and saute until the sausage is no longer pink and the onion is softened. Stir in the butternut squash and the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the wild rice, seasoning packet, chicken broth and cranberries.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low, cover and allow to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice and squash is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir in the baby kale until wilted. Season with black pepper, if desired.

The mixture will likely look a little soupy at first, but as it sits it will thicken up. Top the rice mixture with slivered almonds and serve.