5.0 from 3 votes
Kale Pesto Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes add color and flavor to this easy pasta dish.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 629 kcal
Course:
Side Dish , Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 3 cups chopped lacinato kale stems removed (about 1 bunch)
- ½ cup raw pecans or nut of choice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice about 1 small lemon
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup olive oil
- 8 ounces whole grain spaghetti
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil and/or grated parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- In the bowl of a food processor, combine the chopped kale, pecans, lemon juice, garlic cloves and salt. Pour in the olive oil and blend on high for 15 seconds, until smooth. You may need to scrape down the sides a few times in between blending.
- Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Add the spaghetti and cook as directed.
- Meanwhile, cook the tomatoes. In a separate medium-size pan, warm 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the tomatoes and a pinch of salt, then cover and cook for 10 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to burst open. Remove from heat and set aside. (Be careful not to lift the lid when the tomatoes are hot, as the juices and the oil will splatter! You can shake the pan by the handle to toss the tomatoes as needed.)
- When the pasta is tender, remove from heat and drain. Transfer the pasta back to the pot, then spoon the kale pesto on top. Toss until the pesto is evenly distributed. Add the tomatoes to the pot and toss together. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil and/or grated parmesan cheese.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
629kcal
(31%)
Carbohydrates
51g
(17%)
Protein
10g
(20%)
Fat
44g
(68%)
Saturated Fat
6g
(30%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
7g
Monounsaturated Fat
30g
Sodium
314mg
(13%)
Potassium
527mg
(15%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
5g
(10%)
Vitamin A
2159IU
(43%)
Vitamin C
49mg
(54%)
Calcium
61mg
(6%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 629
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 629kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 51g | 17% |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 44g | 68% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7g | 41% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 30g | 150% |
| Sodium | 314mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 527mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 2159IU | 43% |
| Vitamin C | 49mg | 54% |
| Calcium | 61mg | 6% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.