Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Italy with our Lacinato Kale Pasta with Parmesan and Breadcrumbs! This delightful dish not only brings together the earthy richness of lacinato kale and the nutty goodness of Parmesan cheese, but it also offers a satisfying crunch from golden breadcrumbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe is packed with nutrients and flavor, making it a guilt-free indulgence. In just 30 minutes, you can create a culinary masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for seconds! Are you ready to elevate your pasta game? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (your choice)
- 1 bunch lacinato kale, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste like seawater to properly season the pasta.
- While water is heating, thoroughly wash the lacinato kale and remove any tough stems. Chop the kale into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch wide.
- Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add chopped kale to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the kale becomes slightly wilted and bright green.
- Drain the pasta and add directly into the skillet with kale. Toss to combine, using reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce if needed.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and kale, stirring to ensure even distribution and melting.
- In a separate small pan, toast breadcrumbs over medium heat until golden brown, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Plate the pasta and generously top with toasted breadcrumbs for added crunch and texture.
- Serve immediately, with additional Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While any pasta will work, opt for shapes like orecchiette or fusilli that hold onto the sauce beautifully.
- Don’t Skip the Salt: Make sure your pasta water is well-salted; it’s the only chance you have to season the pasta itself, so it should taste like seawater!
- Perfectly Cooked Kale: When sautéing the kale, keep an eye on it. You want it to wilt and become vibrant green, not mushy. A few minutes is all it takes!
- Pasta Water is Your Friend: Remember to reserve that cup of pasta water! It’s a great way to adjust the sauce's consistency and helps the cheese melt seamlessly.
- Breadcrumb Toasting: For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or herbs to the breadcrumbs while toasting them.
- Serve Fresh: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store the pasta and breadcrumbs separately to maintain the crunch.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t hold back on the Parmesan! A little extra on top adds a lovely finish and enhances the flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
