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Pasta with Creamy Kale Sauce

Pasta with Creamy Kale Sauce

A creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring kale as the star ingredient.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course pasta, Quick & Easy
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work well)
  • 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

For the Creamy Kale Sauce

  • 2 cups kale leaves, stems removed, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp ed pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • ½ cup pasta cooking water (reserved)

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Cook the Pasta
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  • Step 2: Prepare the Kale
    While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
    Add the chopped kale and cook for 3-4 minutes until wilted.
  • Step 3: Blend the Sauce
    Transfer the cooked kale and garlic mixture to a blender or food processor. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add more pasta water as needed to reach the desired consistency.
  • Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
    Return the sauce to the skillet and set it over low heat. Toss the drained pasta in the skillet, ensuring every piece is coated in the creamy kale sauce.
  • Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
    Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
  • Reserve additional pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens as it sits.
Keyword Pasta with Creamy Kale Sauce