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Healthy Pesto Pasta Sauce With Cavolo Nero and Fusilli

Healthy pesto pasta sauce made with cavolo nero (Tuscan kale) and giant fusilli pasta. It's a super easy, filling and healthy dinner recipe.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 420 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 10.5 oz (300g) raw cavolo nero (Tuscan Kale)
  • 1 tbsp freshly grated parmesan
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tbsp pine nuts
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • salt and pepper
  • 11.2 oz (320g) giant fusilli pasta
  • flaked almonds , for topping

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Wash the cavolo nero in cold running water to remove any dirt then blanch in a pot of boiling water for around 2-3 minutes. Drain and rinse in cold water then squeeze as much water out as possible. *See note 1
  2. Make sure to remove any larger, chunky stalks from the cavolo nero then add it to a food processor with freshly grated parmesan, pine nuts, garlic peeled but still whole, nutmeg and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste for seasoning.
  3. Blitz to a thick paste adding 2 tbsp of water while the motor is running to loosen (water will be added later).
  4. When you're ready to make the pasta, boil it in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente (follow packet instructions).
  5. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water.
  6. Drain the pasta and add it back to the hot pot. Add a couple spoonful of cavolo nero pesto to the pasta and gradually add the reserved pasta water until it coats the pasta evenly. *see note 2.
  7. Serve in bowls and top with flaked almonds.

Notes

  • (1) 200g (7 oz) cooked weight of cavolo nero
  • Use a salad spinner to squeeze the water out or place the cavolo nero in a clean tea towel, pinch the four corners together and shake the water out.
  • (2) You won't need all the water. Add more pesto to your liking and adjust the texture with more pasta water.
  • To make this dish healthier use wholegrain pasta.

Nutrition Information

Calories 420kcal (21%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 420

% Daily Value*

Calories 420kcal 21%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.