Lemon kale pasta has been a staple in this house for a while. Actually, since we first discovered it a few years back, from a friend. I personally am a big fan of olive oil pasta.(Aglio et olio). I prefer it even over red. Just give me lots of garlic and olive oil with parmesan cheese and chili flakes, and I’m happy. Similarly, this pasta uses the same ingredients, but with added kale and lemon. The flavors combined, become this magical tangy, zesty, garlicky, tasty dish of pasta. And since there’s no such thing as making a separate meal just for your kid in this house, my daughter eats this too. Luckily, she loves it. If you haven’t introduced kale to your kids yet, this is it. Lemon Kale pasta, everybody.
We usually use whole wheat spaghetti for this dish. But I’ve tried linguini and rigatoni with it too and even added some shrimp. It was superb. However, spaghetti is still our favorite.
(For your convenience, affiliate link:)
Finally, just top it off with freshly grated parmesan cheese, chili flakes if you like some spice and you’re good to go! If you like these kid-friendly bowls, you can buy them here. They’re made of bamboo, eco-friendly and completely non-toxic. If you want to get the complete dinnerware set with cup and cutlery, which is the one I have, you can purchase it here.
There’s so many reasons why I like this meal. Firstly, it’s quick. Secondly, it’s easy. And thirdly, it’s delicious. It also makes a great weeknight meal, and it’s great as leftovers for lunch too. For more easy family weeknight meals, check out our pizza quinoa bowls and quinoa pasta salad with roasted chicken!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of whole wheat spaghetti
- 6-8 pieces of garlic cloves, minced, depending on how garlicky you like it
- 2 lemons
- 4 cups of chopped fresh kale
- 1/3 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of pasta water
- 2/3 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- Red hot chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Boil spaghetti according to instructions in pot of boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse.
- Prep your ingredients: mince the garlic, juice the lemons, and prep 4 cups of chopped kale
- In a large pan on low, pour in the olive oil. Add in the garlic, chili flakes, salt, pepper and half the lemon juice. Make sure not to burn the garlic. Let cook for about a minute or two.
- Add in the kale and let cook on med low for a few minutes.
- Then add in the drained pasta and toss with the olive oil and and kale mixture.
- Add in the rest of the lemon juice. And use the pasta water if the pasta feels a little dry.
- Add the parmesan cheese and mix until all combined and cheese slightly melted. Make sure to leave some parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top at the end!
- Serve and enjoy!
Make sure to follow me on Instagram for more kid-friendly meals! I’m always posting something new on there!
Pingback: Broccoli Quiche - Simple and Healthy - Bebe and Bear
Pingback: Kale Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette - Bebe and Bear
Pingback: Macaroni Salad Sweetened with Honey - Bebe and Bear