Quick and Easy Italian Kale and Tomato Pasta
What Started it all:
Tomato, Kale, basil pesto, cheese
This delightful Italian-inspired dish combines fresh tomatoes, vibrant kale, and creamy cheese with a burst of flavor from basil pesto. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner for two, it’s both nutritious and satisfying. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta of your choice (spaghetti or penne work great!)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups kale, chopped and stems removed
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup cheese (mozzarella or parmesan, shredded)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Kale: In a large skillet, drizzle a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped kale and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it’s wilted and vibrant.
- Add Tomatoes: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the kale and tomatoes. Stir in the basil pesto and reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Mix everything well until combined and heated through.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the pasta, stir gently until it melts and becomes gooey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the pasta, drizzling a little more olive oil on top if desired. Garnish with extra cheese or fresh basil if you have it!
This Quick and Easy Italian Kale and Tomato Pasta is a scrumptious way to enjoy a healthy meal in no time! Perfect for impressing your dinner guest or just treating yourself, it’s a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. Buon appetito!