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Kale Pesto Pasta

Kale Pesto Pasta
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A vibrant, healthy, and quick-to-make Kale Pesto Pasta featuring nutrient-rich kale blended into a creamy pesto sauce with toasted pine nuts, fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice, tossed with your favorite pasta for a flavorful and wholesome meal perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh young kale leaves, stems removed
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces pasta of choice (linguine, penne, gluten-free, etc.)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Kale and Nuts: Rinse the kale leaves thoroughly and remove any tough stems. Lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant to enhance their nuttiness and add crunch to the pesto.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  3. Blend the Pesto: In a food processor or blender, combine kale leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while pulsing until a creamy but slightly textured pesto forms. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the pesto is too thick to loosen it up.
  4. Toss Pasta with Pesto: Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Pour the kale pesto over the pasta and toss well to coat every strand evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the pasta immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan shavings or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts if desired. Serve fresh and warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use young kale leaves for a milder flavor and creamier pesto.
  • Toast pine nuts to deepen their flavor and add crunch.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust the pesto sauce consistency naturally.
  • Pulse the ingredients instead of continuous blending to maintain texture.
  • Season gradually with salt and lemon juice to balance flavors perfectly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Kale pesto pasta, healthy pasta recipe, quick dinner, vegetarian pasta, kale recipe, pesto sauce

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