Kale pasta

Kale pasta

22 min
Discover the joy of kale pasta and explore a dish that marries earthy kale with delicious whole-wheat spaghetti. Brightened by orange zest and a hint of red chilli peppers, this recipe is simple yet full of flavours. Since it is so fast to make, it is perfect for a quick dinner on a busy weekday or a leisurely weekend lunch.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/kale-pasta/

Instructions

  • Bring a large saucepan of salted boiling water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta as per pack instructions.
  • Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and chillies and cook until slightly golden and the aromas are released.
  • Add the breadcrumbs and cook until golden. Remove and keep warm.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and carefully sauté the kale in batches until wilted and tender. A few scorched ends are even better.
  • Tip in the breadcrumbs, chilli mix, and the white cheese oil. Add the finely grated orange zest and a little salt and pepper.
  • Toss in the cheese and the freshly cooked pasta and stir until well combined.
  • Serve in warmed bowls with extra white cheese sprinkled over.
Enjoy!

FAQ: Questions about kale pasta

We have answered some of the most common questions about kale pasta below. Keep reading if you want to know more.

How should I adjust kale cooking times based on its age?
For perfectly cooked kale in your pasta, vary the cooking time depending on the kale’s age. Quickly sauté young, tender kale stems in a bit of oil. For mature, tougher leaves, steam them longer with some water to help them soften. To do this, place the older kale in the pan, add a small amount of water, cover, and let it steam until tender.
How can you tell when pasta is cooked to al dente?
To check if pasta is al dente, bite into a strand. It should be tender on the outside but still firm to the bite in the middle. If it is hard or crunchy, it needs to cook for a bit longer. If it is too soft or begins to stick, it is overdone.
Can I prepare kale pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare kale pasta in advance. Simply cook the pasta until al dente and sauté the kale as the recipe suggests. Then, combine the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat the mixture when you are ready to eat and add any remaining ingredients for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

Whole-wheat spaghetti
300 g
Kale, ribs and stems removed
200 g
Large orange
1
250 g
Medium-sized red chilli peppers
2
Garlic cloves, thinly sliced
3
Olive oil
Coarse breadcrumbs

Tips: Cook up a kale pasta

Learn how to make our exquisite kale pasta with these straightforward tips.

Selecting and cleaning the kale

Look for kale with firm, vibrantly coloured leaves and sturdy stems. Avoid any that have yellowing or brown spots, which indicate age or damage. You will need to prepare the kale by removing the ribs and stems, which are too fibrous and tough for this dish. You can do this by holding the stem with one hand and stripping the leaf downward with the other. Afterwards, wash the kale leaves thoroughly in several changes of water to remove any dirt or grit.

Keep an eye on the breadcrumbs

Keep an eye on the breadcrumbs as they toast. They cook rather quickly, so make sure to stir now and then to ensure even colouring and avoid burning, which can spoil the flavour.

Storing leftover kale pasta for later

To preserve your leftover kale pasta, let it cool at room temperature before sealing it in a container. Keep the container in the fridge, and for the best taste and texture, try to eat the pasta within four days. For reheating, warm it slowly in a pan over medium-low heat or in the microwave until hot.

Try our simple recipe for kale pasta

Our simple recipe for kale pasta is a beautiful representation of how a few humble ingredients can come together to create an astonishing meal. With just a few ingredients, you can introduce a new, easy spaghetti dish to both friends and family in no time. Make sure to serve pasta with kale in warm bowls and with an extra white cheese on top because who does not love a little more creaminess?

Tender kale with crispy breadcrumbs and creamy white cheese

Kale, breadcrumbs, and white cheese all in one dish? Yes, that is exactly what we are doing here and what makes this dish so tasty. The kale is sautéed until tender with just a hint of char, which gives it a satisfying bite. The breadcrumbs are toasted in garlic and chilli-infused oil, turning them golden and crispy. They add a nutty crunch that works wonderfully opposite the tender kale. The addition of white cheese, which slightly warms and melts, introduces a creamy quality.

With warm and fresh nuances from chilli and orange zest

Aside from the earthy kale, this pasta dish perfectly balances the chilli’s warmth and the orange’s brightness. The red chilli peppers offer a gentle, lingering heat that complements the other ingredients without overwhelming them. The orange zest adds a burst of citrusy freshness that lifts the earthy kale and creamy cheese.

Serve as an easy lunch or a quick dinner

Kale pasta is perfect for any occasion, whether it is a family gathering or a quiet dinner for one. In just about 20 minutes, you can prepare a delicious dish packed with robust flavours. Consider making it for a leisurely weekend lunch when you want to add a touch of indulgence to your day. Plus, on those hectic weeknights when time is scarce, kale pasta serves as a quick and satisfying fix. Truly, there is never a bad time to enjoy this amazing meal.

If you want to explore more recipes with pasta, try this one for Greek pasta salad or this one for potato ravioli.

Get creative with the recipe

If you want to try different greens in your pasta, spinach, broccoli, and sautéed mushrooms are great additions or alternatives to kale. These vegetables mix nicely with the breadcrumbs, white cheese, and spaghetti while offering a pleasant change in texture. Spinach has less of a bite than kale, while broccoli is known for its firmer texture and similar earthy taste. Cooked mushrooms provide more of an umami flavour and a soft texture.

Also, consider topping the kale and pasta with toasted nuts like walnuts or pine nuts for some added crunch. They complement the tender and creamy textures wonderfully and add a welcome smoky, nutty flavour to the mix.