Are you ready to transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary masterpiece? This Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake is about to become your new obsession! Imagine a dish that combines the hearty goodness of perfectly cooked pasta, the nutritious punch of vibrant kale, and a trio of melted cheeses that will make your mouth water. It's not just a recipe - it's a comfort food experience that promises to elevate your home cooking game and leave everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the chopped kale to blanch it alongside the pasta.
- Drain the pasta and kale in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water will help create a creamy sauce.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, minced garlic, half of the mozzarella, and half of the parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the drained pasta and kale to the cheese mixture, stirring gently to coat evenly. If the mixture seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to create a creamy consistency.
- Transfer the pasta and kale mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with a little olive oil before serving.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh ground black pepper if desired.
Tips
- For the best texture, cook your pasta just until al dente - it will continue cooking slightly in the oven.
- Don't skip reserving some pasta water! The starchy liquid is key to creating a creamy, luxurious sauce.
- Use fresh kale for the brightest color and most robust flavor. Remove the tough stems before chopping.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations - try adding some sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese for a unique twist.
- For a crispy top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking to get those golden, slightly charred cheese edges.
- This dish is perfect for meal prep - it reheats beautifully and can be made ahead of time.
- Want to add some protein? Stir in some cooked chicken, crispy pancetta, or white beans before baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
