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Kale Pesto Pasta

Kale Pesto Pasta
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Kale Pesto Pasta is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that takes the classic basil pesto to a new level by incorporating fresh kale. This recipe is easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for a healthy, flavorful meal any day of the week. It combines earthy greens with bold garlic, nutty pine nuts, and creamy parmesan for a luscious sauce that pairs beautifully with any pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

Pesto Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh kale (preferably lacinato or baby kale)
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Pasta

  • 12 ounces quality pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)

Garnishes (optional)

  • Additional grated Parmesan cheese
  • Extra toasted pine nuts
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta: Cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water to help adjust the sauce later.
  2. Make the kale pesto: In a food processor, combine the fresh kale leaves, garlic, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until ingredients are finely chopped. Gradually drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil while blending until you achieve a smooth, pesto-like consistency.
  3. Combine pasta and pesto: Toss the drained pasta with the kale pesto. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and create a silky coating that clings to the pasta.
  4. Serve and garnish: Plate the Kale Pesto Pasta and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and freshly cracked black pepper on top for a flavorful finish.

Notes

  • Choose tender kale varieties like lacinato or baby kale for milder flavor and smoother texture.
  • Toast pine nuts lightly before using to enhance their nutty flavor.
  • Do not skip lemon juice; it balances the earthiness of kale and brightens the pesto.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the pesto and help it adhere to the pasta.
  • Use fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan for depth of flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Kale pesto, healthy pasta, vegetarian pasta, easy pesto recipe, green pesto, nutritious dinner, kale recipe

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/kale-pesto-pasta/