Spicy Kale Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spicy Kale Pasta hits all the right notes: it’s simple to make, packed with nutrients, and delivers big on flavor. Whether you’re looking to sneak more greens into your diet or just want a quick dinner with pantry staples, this dish is a winner. It’s customizable, vegetarian-friendly, and comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for both lazy weeknights and impromptu dinner parties.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite type)
• Fresh kale (curly or lacinato/dinosaur kale)
• Garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the kale by removing tough stems and roughly chopping the leaves.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add the chopped kale and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the kale is wilted and tender, about 5–7 minutes.
5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the kale. Toss well to combine. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to help create a light sauce.
6. Season with salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice, if using.
7. Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Make it vegan: Skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
• Use other greens: Substitute kale with spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens.
• Add veggies: Include sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or sautéed mushrooms.
• Change the pasta: Try it with whole wheat pasta, gluten-free options, or even orzo.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil until heated through.
Avoid microwaving for too long as it may dry out the pasta or make the kale overly soft.

FAQs

What kind of kale is best for this recipe?

Both curly kale and lacinato (dinosaur) kale work well. Lacinato tends to be more tender and slightly sweeter, while curly kale has a firmer texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild to medium heat from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spice level to your taste by using more or less.

Can I add meat to this dish?

Absolutely. Grilled chicken, crumbled sausage, or bacon make great additions to this pasta.

How do I make it creamier?

You can add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese while tossing the pasta with kale for a creamy texture.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the kale and garlic in advance to speed up cooking.

What pasta shape works best?

Long pasta like spaghetti or linguine works great, but short pasta like penne or fusilli also hold the sauce well.

What can I use instead of red pepper flakes?

Try fresh chopped chili, cayenne pepper, or chili oil for a different kind of heat.

Can I freeze this pasta?

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the kale may become mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

What goes well with Spicy Kale Pasta?

A simple side salad, crusty bread, or a glass of white wine pairs beautifully with this dish.

Conclusion

Spicy Kale Pasta is a deliciously simple, healthy meal that brings bold flavors and nourishing ingredients together in one pan. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress without keeping you tied to the kitchen. Give it a try, and make it your own with easy variations and add-ins.

Spicy Kale Pasta

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Spicy Kale Pasta is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that combines sautéed kale with garlic, chili flakes, and pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a satisfying vegetarian meal packed with nutrients and bold flavors.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or preferred type)
• 1 bunch fresh kale (curly or lacinato), stems removed and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the kale by removing the tough stems and chopping the leaves roughly.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the chopped kale and a pinch of salt. Sauté until wilted and tender, about 5–7 minutes.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss well to combine. Add reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
6. Season with additional salt, black pepper, and lemon juice if using.
7. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
• Adjust chili flakes to your preferred heat level.
• For a vegan version, omit Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
• To make it heartier, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 375
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 5mg