Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and transform your ordinary pasta night into an extraordinary gastronomic experience! This Matthews Spicy Tomato Peanut Kale Pasta is not just another recipe – it's a bold fusion of creamy, spicy, and nutritious ingredients that will make your dinner guests wonder how you became such a kitchen genius. With a perfect balance of heat from red pepper flakes, creaminess from peanut butter, and the hearty nutrition of kale, this dish promises to be your new go-to comfort meal that's both indulgent and surprisingly healthy.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of pasta, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup of peanut butter, 2 cups of chopped kale, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Once the garlic is fragrant, add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the skillet. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- After the tomatoes have simmered, add the peanut butter to the skillet. Stir until the peanut butter is fully incorporated into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Add the chopped kale to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the kale is wilted and tender.
- Season the sauce with 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference for spiciness.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the spicy tomato peanut sauce. Toss everything together, adding some of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional red pepper flakes or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy your Matthews Spicy Tomato Peanut Kale Pasta!
Tips
- Pasta Water is Liquid Gold: Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients stick together perfectly.
- Kale Preparation Matters: Chop kale into uniform, bite-sized pieces and remove tough stems for the most tender texture.
- Peanut Butter Mixing Hack: Warm the peanut butter slightly before adding to the sauce to help it incorporate more smoothly.
- Spice Control: Start with less red pepper flakes and add more to taste. You can always increase heat, but can't take it away!
- For Extra Richness: Consider adding a splash of coconut milk or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for additional depth of flavor.
- Quick Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and can be prepared in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
