Indulgent Creamy Kale Pasta

This Creamy Kale Pasta recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. It features chewy bowtie pasta enveloped in a light, slightly creamy sauce that’s seasoned with just the right amount of salt and pepper, and enhanced with a kick from red pepper flakes. The sauce is dotted with tender bits of sautéed garlic kale, making every bite a delightful experience.

For the sauce, you’ll need:

• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup packed parsley
• 1/4 cup packed basil
• 2 tablespoons capers or pitted olives
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Juice and zest of half a lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the pasta:

• 8 ounces farfalle (bowtie pasta)
• 2 tablespoons butter or vegan butter, if you prefer
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 2 stalks kale, stems removed and leaves chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup of a liquid like white wine, reserved pasta cooking water, or broth
• To finish: lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese (skip the Parmesan for a vegan option)

Here’s how to make it:

1. Make the sauce: In a food processor, blend the pine nuts, parsley, basil, capers or olives, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and zest along with the olive oil until mostly smooth. The sauce will taste quite salty on its own, but it balances out when mixed with the other ingredients.
2. Prep the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Cook the kale: While the pasta cooks, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for a couple of minutes until fragrant. Add the kale and continue to sauté for another minute or two. Pour in your choice of liquid (wine, water, or broth) and let it simmer briefly until the liquid reduces slightly.
4. Combine and finish: Toss the cooked pasta and prepared sauce into the skillet with the kale. Mix well to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using.

This dish is quick to prepare, taking about 30 minutes from start to finish, and serves up a comforting yet light meal that’s sure to satisfy. Enjoy your cooking!