Imagine twirling your fork into a vibrant, flavor-packed pasta dish that's not just delicious, but also secretly packed with nutrition. This Kale Pasta with Capers and Olives is your ticket to an Italian-inspired culinary adventure that takes just 35 minutes to create. Perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort, this recipe combines the earthy richness of kale, the briny punch of capers and olives, and the comforting embrace of perfectly cooked pasta.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1/4 cup capers
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 2 cups of chopped kale, 1/4 cup of capers, 1/4 cup of sliced olives, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the kale. Rinse the chopped kale under cold water and drain well. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the chopped kale to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the kale is wilted and tender.
- Once the kale is cooked, add the capers and sliced olives to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- When the pasta is done cooking, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Transfer the drained pasta to the skillet with the kale, capers, and olives. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy your Kale Pasta with Capers and Olives, garnished with additional olive oil or freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- • Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to enhance the overall flavor of your dish. • Reserve some pasta water before draining; the starchy liquid helps create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every strand of pasta. • Sauté garlic quickly to release its flavor without burning, which can make it bitter. • Chop kale into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture. • Feel free to add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or grated Parmesan for extra richness. • For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or white beans to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 307kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
