RECIPE :: PENNE PASTA WITH LEMON, KALE + PARMESAN

This lemon kale pasta is refreshing, tasty and easy to make.  Done in less than 30 minutes, it's great for weeknight meals or a summer potluck.

This dish was a hit at my mom's birthday dinner recently, and I am excited to share this recipe with you.  Being on-the-go, I am always on the lookout for easy recipes I can whip up quickly.  I am definitely planning on making variations of this throughout this summer.

You can spice it up and add shredded (Costco) chicken, sliced prosciutto, or Italian sausage.  If you don't have lemons around, you can try substituting it with a citrus-infused vinegar.  The tart flavor brightens up the dish and it's unbelievably refreshing.  Some toasted pine nuts or sauteed cremini mushrooms can also make a great additional.  With that, I will leave you to this recipe.

Bon appetite!

INGREDIENTS

1 pound lacinato kale, tough stems removed, thinly sliced
2 Tbsp grated lemon zest
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 pound penne pasta (substitute with gluten-free if needed)
3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
5 cloves of garlic, minced
3 oz Parmesan cheese, shaved or freshly grated
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Red chili pepper flakes, to taste (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.  Add the pasta and 1 Tbsp olive oil.  Stir occasionally to ensure it does not stick together.  Once it brings to a boil, lower the heat to medium-high.  Cook for about 8 minutes, or until tender but firm to the bite.  Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat up a large heavy-bottom skillet and add remaining 2 Tbsp olive oil.  Add the kale and cook for 3-5 minutes until it wilts and becomes softer.  Stir in the garlic.  Season with salt and pepper.    
3. Turn the heat off.  Stir in the cooked pasta, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan.  Season to taste with salt, pepper, and chili flakes (optional).
4. Stir in enough of the reserved pasta water to moisten the pasta, as necessary.
5. Toss well.  Serve immediately.   

Yield: 4 Servings  ::  Total Time: 20 Minutes

*  SHOP THE INGREDIENTS  *