• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Eats Delightful

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
×
Home » 30 minute meals

by Mimi · Leave a Comment

Garlic Kale Pasta

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This pasta recipe features a super simple kale and garlic base with a slightly spicy kick!

Jump to:
  • ingredients:
  • How to make garlic kale pasta:
  • If you liked this recipe, check out some of these other pasta recipes!
  • Garlic Kale Pasta Recipe

This kale pasta has been a favorite of mine for quite a few years. And I have no idea why I'm just now sharing it?? But better late than never, right?

I've been on a bit of a spice craze lately (exhibit a: spicy shrimp). And a pasta craze (exhibit b: baked feta pasta). And by lately, I mean the past 10 years, but especially now.

spicy kale pasta on fork close up

You may have noticed a theme on this blog of quick and easy, and this pasta seriously delivers! I wouldn't be surprised if this became a new family favorite for you as well!

spicy kale pasta ingredients

ingredients:

• spaghetti: I find spaghetti tastes best here (the shapes make it taste different, okay!?) But you can use any shape pasta you like
• kale: no substitutions here!
• olive oil: for sautéing
• garlic: the recipe calls for 4 to 5 cloves, so that does depend on how much you like garlic. I feel like I eat so much garlic that I'm almost desensitized to it's flavor, so I always add extra
• red pepper flakes: this is also to taste, depending on your heat preference
• Parmesan cheese: freshly grated only, please! It makes a difference
• salt: to taste

spicy kale pasta in skillet overhead
spicy kale pasta in skillet topped with parmesan and red pepper flakes

How to make garlic kale pasta:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water for the sauce, and drain.
2. Sauté garlic in olive oil. The garlic should be softened and fragrant (it'll take about 1 minute).
3. Add kale, salt, and a splash of pasta water. Cover and cook the kale until wilted.
4. Add red pepper flakes and parmesan. Toss until the cheese is melted.
5. Add pasta. Toss to combine.

spicy kale pasta topped with parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes overhead (1) (1)

If you liked this recipe, check out some of these other pasta recipes!

• viral baked feta pasta
• tomato & mushroom pasta
• penne alla vodka
• macaroni salad
• cheesy lasagna rolls


spicy-kale-pasta-overhead-close-up (2)

Garlic Kale Pasta Recipe

This pasta recipe features a super simple kale and garlic base with a slightly spicy kick!
No ratings yet
Print Pin it
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 to 6 people
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces spaghetti
  • 2 to 3 large bunches of kale (about 1 & ½ pounds or 4 packed cups of leaves)
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 to 5 cloves garlic, finely sliced
  • red pepper flakes, to taste (I added ½ a teaspoon)
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • salt, to taste

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water (you may not need all of it, but it's best to have extra!) Drain your pasta, and set aside.
  • Pull the kale leaves off their stems, and roughly chop the leaves. Wash the leaves well, drain, and set aside.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil and garlic, and sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant (but not browned!!)
  • Add the kale to the skillet, along with a pinch of salt and ¼ cup of the pasta water. Cover your skillet and cook on medium heat until the kale is wilted (about 2 to 4 minutes).
  • Uncover, turn off the heat, and add red pepper flakes and grated Parmesan. Toss together until the cheese is melted and everything is incorporated. Add your cooked pasta and toss again to combine. (Optional) Top with more cheese and red pepper flakes!
Tried this recipe?Tag me @eatsdelightfulblog or use #eatsdelightful! I love seeing what you're baking!

Enjoy!


More 30 minute meals

  • skillet stuffed pasta shells in skillet topped with fresh basil
    Stovetop Stuffed Pasta Shells
  • shrimp-tacos-center-close-up-1
    Shrimp Tacos
  • spicy skillet shrimp in plate (3)
    Skillet Spicy Shrimp
  • steak and peas with potatoes on side with spoon and fork overhead (1)
    Easy Skillet Steak and Peas

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

author photo

Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm a former finance professional, turned full-time food blogger, photographer, and recipe creator. Welcome to my little corner of the internet!

More about me →

trending recipes

  • spring lemon Bundt cake pouring icing over cake
    Simple Powdered Sugar Glaze / Icing
  • glazed sour cream glazed donuts on wire rack
    Sour Cream Glazed Donuts
  • frosted and decorated white cake on cake stand (2)
    Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
  • chocolate chip muffin split in half view of texture (4)
    Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Muffins

see more recipes →

Follow Us!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Footer

↑ back to top

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our Privacy Policy for full details.

More

  • recipes
  • about me
  • privacy policy

Newsletter

  • sign up to receive recipes and updates by email!

Work With Me

  • contact

Eats Delightful Copyright © 2023

This site uses cookies
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT