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Kale Pesto Pappardelle Pasta

Creamy Kale Pesto Pappardelle Pasta Ready in 20 Minutes

This Kale Pesto Pappardelle Pasta combines creamy homemade pesto with wide pasta for a delicious, meatless dinner option.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Kale Pesto
  • 2 cups Dino Kale Regular kale works too if unavailable.
  • 1 cup Basil Leaves Can substitute with spinach for a milder taste.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Use vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
  • 1/2 cup Walnuts Toast for extra flavor. Pecans or almonds can be used as substitutes.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves Garlic powder may be used as a substitute.
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil Avocado oil can be a lighter option.
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice Lime juice is a fine replacement.
  • to taste Salt & Black Pepper Essential for seasoning.
For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Pappardelle Pasta Use fresh or dried pasta, or substitute with zoodles for a low-carb option.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • food processor
  • Large Pot

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 1/2 cup of walnuts for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and slightly golden.
  2. While walnuts cool, wash and chop 2 cups of dino kale and 1 cup of basil leaves, and grate 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese.
  3. In a food processor, combine 2 cloves of minced garlic and half of the toasted walnuts. Pulse until minced, then add kale, basil, parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Process until creamy.
  4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook pappardelle according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes for al dente), and reserve 1/3 cup of pasta water before draining.
  5. In a large bowl, combine drained pappardelle with the kale pesto, adding reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency. Toss in remaining walnuts.
  6. Transfer to serving platters, garnish with remaining walnuts and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 6gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For optimal flavor, always taste the pesto and adjust seasoning as necessary. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

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