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Kale Pesto Pappardelle Pasta

Kale Pesto Pappardelle Pasta: A Fresh Summer Delight

Celebrate summer with this Kale Pesto Pappardelle Pasta, a vibrant dish blending dino kale and walnuts in a quick 20-minute recipe.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Pesto
  • 2 cups Dino Kale Substitute with curly kale if unavailable.
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil Can replace with spinach for a milder taste.
  • 1 cup Walnuts Toasting enhances aroma; substitute with pecans.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Use nutritional yeast for dairy-free alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Can substitute with vinegar for a different tang.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh is recommended; garlic powder can be used.
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil Avocado oil can be used as a healthier option.
For the Pasta
  • 10-12 oz Pappardelle Pasta Fresh egg or dried is acceptable; any flat pasta can work.
  • 1 medium Zucchini Optional; summer squash can be used instead.

Equipment

  • food processor
  • large pot
  • dry skillet
  • Box grater

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by toasting the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
  2. Roughly chop the dino kale and fresh basil into smaller pieces. Grate the Parmesan cheese finely.
  3. In a food processor, combine garlic and half of the toasted walnuts. Pulse until roughly chopped. Add chopped kale, basil, olive oil, lemon juice, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Blend until creamy.
  4. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pappardelle according to package instructions, usually around 5-6 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/3 cup pasta water and drain.
  5. In a large bowl, combine hot drained pappardelle with the pesto. If using zucchini, toss in ribbons made with a vegetable peeler.
  6. Serve immediately, garnishing with remaining toasted walnuts and a drizzle of olive oil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Taste as you go to adjust seasoning; reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

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