Kale Pesto Pasta

Name: Kale Pesto Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1/3 cup hazelnuts, toasted and skins removed; 2 cups roughly chopped fresh kale, stems removed; 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 1/4 cup loosely packed basil leaves; 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided; 12 ounces uncooked whole wheat linguine; 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon honey; 3 large tomatoes, chopped

Total Time Prep: 20 min. Cook: 15 min.

Yield 8 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

This kale pesto pasta recipe brings all the flavor of pesto with the added nutrition of kale and fresh tomatoes. Hazelnuts stand in for the usual pine nuts in the pesto sauce, for a deliciously nutty twist on an already delectable dish.

Ingredients

1/3 cup hazelnuts, toasted and skins removed
2 cups roughly chopped fresh kale, stems removed
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/4 cup loosely packed basil leaves
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
12 ounces uncooked whole wheat linguine
1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon honey
3 large tomatoes, chopped

Directions

Pulse hazelnuts in food processor until finely ground. Add kale, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, basil, 1/4 cup olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt; pulse until smooth and creamy, adding oil if pesto seems dry.
In a large stockpot, cook linguine according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion; cook and stir until tender, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low; add garlic and honey. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion caramelizes, about 5 minutes more.
Drain linguine, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. In a large serving bowl, combine the kale pesto, caramelized onion, linguine, chopped tomatoes and remaining salt. Toss until well coated, adding reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency. Top pasta with remaining Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 314 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 224mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 8g protein.

My bountiful garden and vegetarian daughter both inspired me to create this nutritious, calcium-rich kale pesto pasta. No one would ever guess that this hearty dish is brimming with produce and is prepared in about 30 minutes. —Cindy Beberman, Orland Park, Illinois

Recipe Creator