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a bowl of pasta in kale sauce with parmesan on top.

Creamy Kale Pasta Sauce

Carolyn
Such an easy way to enjoy kale! This kale sauce pasta is bright and creamy with the flavors of kale, leeks, and parmesan. It's ready to eat in less than 30 minutes!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, sauce
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 362 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Immersion blender

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces rotini regular or gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¾ cup chopped leeks white part only
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 5 ounces baby kale
  • 1 cup vegetable broth divided
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • ⅔ cup shaved parmesan plus more for topping
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • freshly cracked pepper

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and boil according to the directions on the box. Do not overcook the pasta. It should be tender but NOT mushy.
  • Drain the pasta and transfer it to a bowl. Add a little bit of olive oil and stir to make sure the pasta doesn't stick together.
  • In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Add the chopped leeks and sauté until translucent and fragrant.
  • Add the baby kale and cook, stirring, until wilted. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or so.
  • Turn off the heat and use a large spoon to transfer the kale mixture into a tall plastic cup. My immersion blender came with one. Add ¼ cup of stock to the cup and use your immersion blender to puree the mixture as much as possible.
  • Turn the same skillet back on medium heat. Add the remaining broth. Carefully pour the kale mixture into the skillet. Stir until combined. Add the lemon juice.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for a couple of minutes. Add the cream and salt, then stir to combine.
  • Add the parmesan and stir until melted and incorporated into the sauce. Transfer the pasta into the sauce and stir until coated.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and serve immediately. Top with shaved parmesan, freshly cracked pepper, and a sprinkle of salt.

Nutrition

Calories: 362kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 15gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 675mgPotassium: 314mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 4184IUVitamin C: 37mgCalcium: 318mgIron: 2mg
Keyword kale sauce, kale sauce pasta
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