PERFECT PESTO PASTA

Preparation Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6

This delicious pesto pasta recipe is a definite winner! It can be enjoyed hot or cold, and boasts a fresh, summer taste with simple ingredients such as kale, garlic, olive oil, and basil. The pasta is light and has a beautiful, bright green color. If you’re looking for a simple yet scrumptious pasta to serve your guests, this perfect pesto pasta is a great option!

For this recipe, I recommend using fresh tomatoes, but you can always swap them for oil-packed sundried tomatoes. If you’re not a fan of raw kale, you can also use baby spinach leaves instead. Regardless of the variation, this is the perfect pesto pasta that’s easy and quick to make, and perfect to serve all year round!

Ingredients:

• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 cup olive oil, divided
• 4 cups chopped fresh kale
• 1 (1 oz.) package fresh basil
• 1 (16 oz.) package rigatoni pasta
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the kale and cook for 4-5 minutes until wilted.
2. In a food processor, combine the cooked kale, garlic, remaining olive oil, pine nuts, basil, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Pulse until you have a smooth mixture.
3. Cook the pasta following the package directions. Drain when done and transfer to a large bowl.
4. Add the kale pesto and tomatoes to the pasta. Gently toss until coated and sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
   
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