Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked spaghetti, where zesty lemon meets rich Parmesan and vibrant kale creates a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance! This isn't just another pasta dish - it's a quick, nutritious, and absolutely irresistible meal that can be prepared in just 25 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves delicious, easy-to-make meals, this Lemon Parmesan and Kale Spaghetti is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of spaghetti, 2 cups of chopped kale, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 lemon (for juice and zest), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, prepare the kale. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped kale to the skillet.
- Sauté the kale for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is wilted and tender. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sautéed kale. Toss to combine the ingredients.
- In a small bowl, combine the juice and zest of the lemon. Pour this mixture over the spaghetti and kale in the skillet.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the mixture seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Season the pasta with additional salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Serve the Lemon Parmesan and Kale Spaghetti warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired.
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: The key to this dish's incredible flavor is using fresh lemon, high-quality Parmesan, and crisp kale.
- Don't overcook the kale: Aim for a tender but still slightly crisp texture to maintain its nutritional value and vibrant green color.
- Reserve pasta water: The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients stick together perfectly.
- Zest before juicing: It's easier to zest a whole lemon, then juice it afterward.
- Season gradually: Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout cooking to build layers of flavor.
- Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, right after cooking, to preserve the texture of the pasta and kale.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
