Lemon Garlic Kale Pasta Delight

$- Pasta options: You can use spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne for this dish. Each type adds a unique texture. - Kale: I love using curly or lacinato kale. Curly kale adds a nice bite, while lacinato, also known as dinosaur kale, has a tender feel. Both are packed with nutrients. - Cheese options: For a rich flavor, I recommend freshly grated Parmesan. If you want a vegan option, try a plant-based cheese substitute. - Extra virgin olive oil: This oil adds a fruity taste and is full of healthy fats. It’s perfect for sautéing garlic without burning. - Garlic: Garlic gives this dish its strong flavor. Using fresh garlic is key to getting that fragrant aroma. - Red pepper flakes: These add a nice kick to the dish. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. Don't forget to season with sea salt and black pepper for a balanced taste. - Toasted pine nuts: These nuts add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. Toast them lightly for the best taste. - Fresh basil: Adding fresh basil gives a pop of flavor and color. It makes your dish look and taste even better. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add plenty of salt to the water. This step is key. It flavors the pasta as it cooks. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once it’s boiling, add your favorite pasta. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. I usually cook it until al dente, which means firm to the bite. Before draining, reserve one cup of that starchy pasta water. This water helps make the sauce creamy later. While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet. Pour in two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add four cloves of finely minced garlic. Stir it for about one minute. Watch it closely! You want it fragrant, not brown. If it burns, it will taste bitter, and nobody wants that. Next, add six cups of chopped kale to the skillet. Stir the kale for about three to five minutes. You want it to wilt and become tender. Keep an eye on it! As it cooks, it will turn a bright green color. This is a sign it’s ready. Once it looks good, sprinkle in half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Stir to mix the flavors well. To make your pasta shine, adjust the spice with red pepper flakes. Start with a little; you can always add more. For a mild dish, skip them altogether. Everyone has different spice levels, so make it your own! Getting the right pasta consistency is key. If your pasta feels dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water. This starchy water helps bind the sauce and pasta together. Toss gently, and watch as the magic happens! Meal prep can save you time on busy days. Cook your pasta and store it in the fridge. You can sauté the kale and garlic ahead too. Just warm them up when you are ready to eat. When reheating, do it gently. Use a pan on low heat, adding a touch of olive oil. This keeps the pasta from drying out. A little splash of water can help, too. You can add fresh herbs or veggies for an extra kick. Consider spinach, arugula, or even sun-dried tomatoes. These will brighten up your dish and add more nutrition. Kale is packed with vitamins A, C, and K. It also has fiber, which is great for digestion. Pasta gives you energy, making this dish a wholesome choice. Together, they make a great pair for your health! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh kale and garlic to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your dish. Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance; start with less and add more if desired. Reserve Pasta Water: Remember to reserve pasta water before draining; it’s a great way to adjust the sauce consistency and add extra flavor. Garnish Creatively: Aside from pine nuts and basil, consider adding cherry tomatoes or olives as a colorful and tasty garnish. {{image_4}} You can easily adapt this Lemon Garlic Kale Pasta to fit your diet. If you're vegan, swap out the Parmesan cheese for a plant-based alternative. Nutritional yeast is a great option. It gives a cheesy flavor without using dairy. You can also use cashew cream for extra richness. For those who need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Brands like zucchini noodles or lentil pasta work well too. They provide good texture and flavor. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package for the best results. Want to add some protein? You can mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Each adds a different flavor and makes the dish heartier. If you use chickpeas, they give you a great plant-based protein boost. You can also include more vegetables. Spinach and zucchini are excellent choices. They add color and nutrition. Add them while cooking the kale for a simple way to boost your meal. If you want to give this pasta an Italian twist, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives. These ingredients enhance the flavor and create a Mediterranean feel. For a more Mediterranean vibe, consider adding feta cheese or artichoke hearts. These add a salty, tangy kick that pairs nicely with the lemon and garlic. You can even mix in some fresh herbs, like oregano or thyme, to really bring the flavors to life. To keep your Lemon Garlic Kale Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This method keeps the flavors intact. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, reheating is key. To avoid drying out your pasta, add a splash of water before heating. The stovetop works best. Just place it in a pan over low heat and stir often. If you're using a microwave, cover the dish to trap steam. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Freezing Lemon Garlic Kale Pasta is a great option for meal prep. Portion it into small containers for easy access. Make sure it is cooled completely before freezing. It can last in the freezer for up to two months. For best results, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This helps maintain the texture and flavor. You can store Lemon Garlic Kale Pasta in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to use an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. It will stay good in the freezer for up to three months. Yes, you can prepare this recipe in advance. Cook the pasta and sauté the kale. Combine them just before serving. This way, the pasta stays fresh. You can store the cooked components separately in the fridge for up to two days. You can use several greens instead of kale. Spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens work well. Each will add a unique flavor and texture. Just remember to adjust cooking times. Spinach cooks faster than kale, so add it later. Yes, you can make this dish vegan-friendly. Substitute Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Use olive oil as your base. This keeps the flavors rich while making it plant-based. To make your pasta creamier, add a splash of plant-based cream or cashew cream. You can also mix in some reserved pasta water. Stir it well to combine. This creates a rich, smooth texture without changing the flavor. Lemon garlic kale pasta combines simple, fresh ingredients for rich flavor. You can choose your favorite pasta type and enjoy various options for cheese and protein. Use cooking oils and seasonings wisely to bring out the best flavors. Don’t forget to add garnishes like toasted pine nuts for texture. Remember, you can make this dish ahead of time, adapt it for dietary needs, and even store leftovers properly. With these tips, you can create a delicious meal that pleases everyone. Enjoy exploring different variations and personal touches for your pasta dish!$

Lemon Garlic Kale Pasta Delight

A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish featuring sautéed kale, garlic, and a zesty lemon finish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz your favorite pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
6 cups kale, stems removed and coarsely chopped
1 medium lemon (zested and juiced)
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
to taste sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted (optional for garnish)
a handful fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot filled with generously salted boiling water, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside, allowing it to cool slightly.
In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute, avoiding browning.
To the skillet, add the chopped kale and sauté for 3-5 minutes until wilted and tender. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and mix well.
Gently fold the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sautéed kale. Drizzle in the fresh lemon juice, add the zested lemon peel, and pour a splash of reserved pasta water to help loosen and combine the ingredients. Toss everything together until thoroughly mixed.
Season generously with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and evenly coats the pasta and kale mixture.
Scoop the pasta onto individual plates or bowls. Top with toasted pine nuts for added crunch and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve on shallow plates for a beautiful display and add a lemon wedge for extra aroma.

Keyword garlic, kale, lemon, pasta, vegetarian