Lacinato Kale and Tomato Medley Pasta
Get a nutritious dinner on the table in under 30 minutes!
What Is Lacinato Kale?
Lacinato Kale, also known as dinosaur kale or Tuscan kale, is a hearty green that’s great for cooking. It has a wonderful texture and color. Its dark green leaves can almost appear black or dark blue. Lacinato kale is particularly popular in Italian dishes.
Lacinato Kale is tender with deep, earthy flavors. It can be eaten raw or cooked. It cooks quickly which makes it ideal for those evenings when you need to get dinner on the table fast. The following meal can be made in under 30 minutes.
Lacinato Kale and Tomato Medley Pasta
In this dish, we paired Lacinato Kale with a variety of cherry and grape tomatoes for a simple yet full-flavored pasta dish. When sautéed lightly, Lacinato Kale is an ideal texture for pasta. Its deep, dark color also happens to look great in contrast with the vivid reds and yellows of the tomatoes.
This dish is extremely flexible. As is, it is vegetarian but you could easily add chicken for additional protein. To make it gluten-free, swap out the wheat pasta for a rice, lentil, or pea variety. Skip the cheese and suddenly it’s vegan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 bunch lacinato kale chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 small red onion sliced thinly
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
- grated parmesan cheese to taste
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to instructions on package.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for one minute, or until garlic is fragrant.
- Add lacinato kale and onions to skillet and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add cherry and grape tomatoes to skillet and cook until tomatoes begin to burst.
- Add cooked pasta, salt, pepper, and white balsamic vinegar to skillet and stir to combine. Reduce heat and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Plate pasta and top with parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Kale Nutrition Information
Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, lacinato kale is a true superfood. Vitamins K, C, and A, protein, folate, omega-3, potassium, calcium, zinc and more… it is overflowing with good stuff! And with a fun nickname like “dinosaur kale”, you might just find it’s a green your kiddos are willing to try!
Are you game for trying dino kale? Give this simple pasta dish a try tonight for dinner!
