Best 7 Kale Pesto With Whole Wheat Pasta Recipes

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Kale pesto with whole wheat pasta is a simple yet delicious meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. This dish is a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals, as kale is packed with nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C, and calcium. The pesto sauce is made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil, and it adds a vibrant flavor to the pasta. Whole wheat pasta is a good source of fiber and other nutrients, and it also has a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with the pesto. This dish is a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal, and it is also a great way to use up leftover kale.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

KALE AND PISTACHIO PESTO SPAGHETTI



Kale and Pistachio Pesto Spaghetti image

Kale adds a rich earthy note and brilliant green color to this hearty pesto. This makes about 1-1 1/2 cups pesto, which would also be good on fish, chicken, pork, or steak.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Kosher salt
1 large bunch kale, stemmed and leaves torn (about 1 pound)
10 ounces whole wheat spaghetti
2 tablespoons roasted salted pistachios
1 clove garlic, smashed
1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus lemon wedges, for serving
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with ice and water. Add the kale to the boiling water and cook, stirring, until just wilted but still bright green, about 2 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the kale to the ice water (keep the water boiling). When cool, drain well and squeeze out as much water as possible. Coarsely chop the kale.
  • Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and then drain the pasta.
  • While the pasta cooks, pulse the pistachios and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. Add the kale and parsley and pulse until very finely chopped. With the machine running, add the oil in a steady stream. Add the Parmesan, lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper and pulse to incorporate.
  • Toss the pasta with the pesto, adding a few spoonfuls of the reserved cooking water if it seems dry. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 470 calorie, Fat 18 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Cholesterol 2 milligrams, Sodium 358 milligrams, Carbohydrate 67 grams, Fiber 12 grams, Protein 16 grams, Sugar 3 grams

KALE PESTO WITH WHOLE WHEAT PASTA



Kale Pesto With Whole Wheat Pasta image

Chef and cookbook author Joshua McFadden's justifiably famous kale pesto inspired us to keep spreading the word that there is still no better or more delicious way to eat your greens.

Provided by Chris Morocco

Categories     Bon Appétit     Dinner     Lunch     Pasta     Kale     Pistachio     Noodle     Healthy     Vegetarian     Soy Free     Peanut Free     Kid-Friendly

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 large bunch Tuscan kale, ribs and stems removed
Kosher salt
12 oz. farro pasta or whole wheat pasta
⅓ cup raw pistachios
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove
1 oz. Parmesan, finely grated, plus more for serving
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Cook kale leaves in a large pot of boiling salted water until bright green and wilted, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet with tongs; keep water boiling. Let kale cool slightly; wring out excess water with your hands.
  • Cook pasta in pot of boiling water, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
  • Blend nuts, oil, garlic, and ⅓ cup water in a blender or food processor until very smooth. Add kale and 1 oz. Parmesan. Purée, adding water 1 Tbsp. at a time as needed, until smooth. Transfer pesto to a large bowl.
  • Using tongs, transfer pasta to bowl with pesto; add butter and ⅓ cup pasta cooking liquid. Toss, adding more pasta cooking liquid by the tablespoonful if needed, until sauce coats pasta. Divide among bowls; top with more Parmesan and a few grinds of pepper.

WHOLE WHEAT FUSILLI WITH KALE AND WALNUT PESTO PASTA



Whole Wheat Fusilli with Kale and Walnut Pesto Pasta image

Provided by Katie Lee Biegel

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Kosher salt
1 pound whole wheat fusilli
1/2 cup walnut halves
2 cloves garlic
1 1/2 cups packed baby arugula
1 1/2 cups packed chopped kale
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup grated Pecorino-Romano, plus more for garnish
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1 cup pasta water.
  • Roughly chop some of the walnuts and set aside. Pulse the remaining walnuts and garlic together in a food processor, then add the arugula, kale, basil, cheese, lemon juice, sea salt and pepper and pulse to puree. With the motor running, slowly add the oil and process until smooth. The pesto can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
  • Add the pesto to a large bowl. Add the hot pasta and toss to coat, adding a splash of pasta water to thin, if necessary. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with more cheese, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts.

WHOLE-WHEAT TAGLIATELLE WITH CREAMY WHITE-BEAN AND KALE SAUCE



Whole-Wheat Tagliatelle with Creamy White-Bean and Kale Sauce image

For a healthy, craveable dinner, try this creamy but dairy-free kale "pesto" that's made with cannellini beans, and go with whole-grain noodles to get the most nutrients from your pasta. Top with sliced almonds for a plant-based protein boost.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Pasta and Grains

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup sliced almonds (2 ounces)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 small bunch (8 ounces) curly-leaf kale, stems and ribs removed, torn into bite-size pieces (4 1/2 packed cups)
1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest, plus 2 tablespoons fresh juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
12 ounces Khorasan-wheat tagliatelle, such as Kamut, or other wide whole-grain pasta
1 ounce Parmigiano-Reggiano, finely grated (1 cup)
1/2 cup packed fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread almonds in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and toast until fragrant and golden, 10 to 12 minutes.
  • Heat oil in a large straight-sided skillet over medium-high. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until light golden, about 1 minute. Add kale and cook, tossing, until bright green, about 1 minute. Scrape mixture into a blender (reserve skillet). Add 1 cup water, beans, and lemon juice to blender; purée until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Season with salt.
  • Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain.
  • Pour blended kale sauce back into skillet and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Add pasta and cook, tossing, until coated and sauce has thickened slightly, 1 to 2 minutes more. (If sauce thickens too much, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time.) Season with salt and pepper.
  • In a bowl, combine cheese, parsley, toasted almonds, and lemon zest. Sprinkle half of cheese mixture over pasta and serve remainder on the side. Drizzle pasta with more oil and serve.

WHOLE-WHEAT PASTA WITH KALE



Whole-Wheat Pasta with Kale image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 slices bacon (2 ounces), cut into 1/2-inch strips
3 garlic
1 bunch kale (1 pound), thick stems trimmed, leaves coarsely chopped
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
2 cups reduced-sodium canned chicken broth
1 pound whole-wheat spaghetti
1/2 cup coarsely grated fontina cheese, plus more for serving

Steps:

  • Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-low heat, turning occasionally, until browned and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, reserving fat in skillet.
  • Cook garlic in same skillet over medium heat until golden, stirring frequently, 2 minutes. Add half the kale; cook, tossing until just wilted, 2 minutes. Add remaining kale, and season with salt and pepper; cook, tossing until all the kale has wilted, 2 minutes. Add chicken broth, and simmer until kale is tender, about 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking water. Return pasta to pot. Add kale and fontina; toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Add reserved cooking water as desired. Divide pasta among plates; top with more cheese and reserved bacon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 399 g, Fat 11 g, Protein 17 g

NUTTY KALE PESTO PASTA WITH CARAMELIZED ONION



Nutty Kale Pesto Pasta with Caramelized Onion image

My bountiful garden and vegetarian daughter both inspired me to create this nutritious, calcium-rich kale pesto pasta. No one would ever guess that this hearty dish is brimming with produce and is prepared in about 30 minutes. -Cindy Beberman, Orland Park, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 35m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/3 cup hazelnuts, toasted and skins removed
2 cups roughly chopped fresh kale, stems removed
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/4 cup loosely packed basil leaves
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
12 ounces uncooked whole wheat linguine
1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon honey
3 large tomatoes, chopped

Steps:

  • Pulse hazelnuts in food processor until finely ground. Add kale, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, basil, 1/4 cup olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt; pulse until smooth and creamy, adding oil if pesto seems dry., In a large stockpot, cook linguine according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low; add garlic and honey. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion caramelizes, about 5 minutes more., Drain linguine, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. In a large serving bowl, combine kale pesto, onion mixture, linguine, chopped tomato and remaining salt. Toss until well coated, adding reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency. Top with remaining Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 314 calories, Fat 15g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 224mg sodium, Carbohydrate 42g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 8g protein.

WHOLE WHEAT PASTA WITH LEMON KALE CHICKEN RECIPE BY TASTY



Whole Wheat Pasta With Lemon Kale Chicken Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: whole wheat spaghetti, boneless, skinless chicken breast, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, curly kale, lemon zest, lemon juice, kosher salt, ground black pepper

Provided by Marie Telling

Categories     Dinner

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 oz whole wheat spaghetti
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 cups curly kale, chopped, ribs removed
1 lemon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
kosher salt, to taste
ground black pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Boil salted water and cook the pasta for 1 minute less than the time indicated on the package. When the pasta is finished cooking, reserve ¼ cup (60 ml) of pasta water.
  • Meanwhile, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet. Season cubed chicken with salt and pepper, add it to the skillet, and brown it on each side. Once cooked through - about 2 to 4 minutes - remove from skillet and reserve.
  • Heat remaining three tablespoons of olive oil in skillet and add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minutes.
  • Add kale, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and reserved pasta water. Cook until kale is tender, about 3 minutes.
  • Add cooked chicken, and pasta. Stir to coat, and serve immediately.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 743 calories, Carbohydrate 65 grams, Fat 39 grams, Fiber 10 grams, Protein 39 grams, Sugar 7 grams

Tips:

  • Use fresh kale for the best flavor and nutritional value.
  • If you don't have a food processor, you can finely chop the kale and nuts by hand.
  • Add more or less lemon juice to taste.
  • Serve the pesto immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • You can also freeze the pesto for up to 3 months.
  • To use frozen pesto, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Conclusion:

Kale pesto with whole wheat pasta is a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. It is packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. The pesto is also a good source of healthy fats, thanks to the olive oil and nuts. This recipe is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and whole grains. It is also a versatile dish that can be served hot or cold, and can be paired with a variety of sides, such as grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.

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