Are you ready to elevate your pasta game with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and oozing with cheese? Introducing the "Super Cheesy Kale and Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Bake"—a delightful Italian-inspired recipe that will have your taste buds dancing and your family asking for seconds! With its creamy layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan, combined with the vibrant colors of kale and roasted red peppers, this pasta bake is not just a meal; it's a comforting hug in a dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe is quick to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how easy it is to create a cheesy masterpiece that will leave everyone craving more!
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, diced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Ensure the pasta is cooked but still has a slight firmness.
- While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop the kale into bite-sized pieces, removing any tough stems. Dice the roasted red peppers into small, uniform pieces.
- Drain the cooked pasta in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water. Return the pasta to the pot.
- Add the chopped kale and diced roasted red peppers to the pasta. Stir to combine, allowing the residual heat to slightly wilt the kale.
- Season the pasta mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the layer.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, creating a second layer. Finish by topping with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- If the mixture seems dry, drizzle the reserved pasta cooking water over the top to help create a creamy texture.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh ground black pepper or chopped herbs like basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: For the best texture, be sure to cook your pasta al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite, as it will continue to cook while baking in the oven.
- Kale Prep: When chopping kale, remove any tough stems and ensure the pieces are bite-sized. This will help them wilt nicely when mixed with the warm pasta.
- Layering for Flavor: Don’t be shy with the cheese! Layering half of the mozzarella and Parmesan in between the pasta mixture creates a delicious cheesy surprise in every bite.
- Creamy Texture: If your pasta mixture looks a bit dry before baking, drizzle in the reserved pasta cooking water. This will help create a creamy, luscious texture as it bakes.
- Let It Rest: Allow the pasta bake to rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the cheese set, making it easier to serve and ensuring each portion holds its shape.
- Garnish for Extra Flair: Consider garnishing your pasta bake with fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving. This adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that enhances the overall dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
