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Creamy kale pasta with pine nuts and tomatoes in a white bowl.

20 Minute Creamy Kale Pasta

Indulge in a creamy and flavourful kale pasta that's both easy to prepare and deliciously comforting. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish combines the earthiness of kale with a rich, creamy sauce and a hint of garlic.
5 from 5 votes
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Author: Deborah Rainford

Ingredients

  • 100 g (4 ½ cups) kale, washed and trimmed
  • 350 g (¾ lb) dried pasta
  • 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 300 ml (1 ¼ cup) single cream
  • 50-75 ml (¼ cup) pasta water, *see notes
  • 50 g (½ cup) Parmesan, grated
  • Fresh basil for serving
  • 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pine nuts

Instructions

Cook the Pasta and Prep the Kale:

  • Boil the pasta according to the package instructions. Remember to reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining.
  • Wash the kale thoroughly and remove any large stems.

Sauté the Garlic and Make the Sauce:

  • Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant and golden, being careful not to overcook the garlic.
  • Add the cream to the pan and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan and whisk together until well combined.

Add Kale and Lemon, Combine and Serve:

  • Incorporate the kale into the sauce and let it simmer for a minute or two until the kale wilts. If the sauce thickens too much, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
  • Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well to coat evenly. Top with chopped walnuts or pine nuts and garnish with fresh basil.

Notes

  • Storing and Reheating Leftovers: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until hot. The sauce may thicken in the fridge; add water a tablespoon at a time to thin it out as needed.
  • Kale Prep: Make sure to wash the kale thoroughly and remove the thicker stems for a better texture in the pasta.

Nutrition

Calories: 687kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 245mg | Potassium: 399mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 3364IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 291mg | Iron: 2mg
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