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Just Kale Pesto Pasta

Just Kale Pesto Pasta

Just Kale Pesto Pasta is a flavorful dish made with kale, perfect for enjoying pesto year-round when basil is scarce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Noodles and Pasta
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 484 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Food processor
  • large skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound mezzi rigatoni (or any other short cut pasta you like)
  • 8 cloves garlic (peeled, ends trimmed)
  • ¼ cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
  • ½ lemon Juice (if you'd like it extra lemony, use the whole lemon)
  • 1 ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 10 cups curly kale (about 8-9 ounces/225-250 g)
  • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Red pepper flakes (to taste; I use aleppo chili flakes)

Instructions
 

  • Set a large pot of salt water to boil on the stove for the pasta.
  • To the bowl of a food processor, add the garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and the kale. Depending on the size of your food processor, you may need to make this in multiple batches or add the kale in a handful at a time.
  • With the food processor running, slowly pour the olive oil through the feed tube. The pesto should come together relatively quickly, but let the food processor run for 1-2 minutes to make sure everything is thoroughly pulverized.
  • By now, your water should be boiling. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions. When the cooking time is almost complete, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water in a heatproof measuring cup. Drain the pasta, and transfer to a large skillet over medium-low heat.
  • Add half of the pesto (you'll have the remainder to freeze for another day!). Stir the pesto into the pasta, adding a little pasta water as you go to make a silky, 'creamy' sauce.
  • Sprinkle the pasta with grated parmesan and some Aleppo chili flakes. You can also top with some zest from that lemon you juiced for the pesto, if desired. Serve!

Notes

Recipe makes about 2 ½ cups pesto. Use half for 1 pound pasta, and freeze the remainder (about 1 ¼ cup) for another day! To freeze, transfer to a pint container, pour a thin layer of olive oil over the top, cover, and freeze.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 484kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 372mgPotassium: 259mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1782IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 114mgIron: 2mg
Keyword healthy pasta, Italian cuisine, Just Kale Pesto Pasta, kale pesto, pasta, quick recipes
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