Craving a pasta dish that will set your taste buds on fire and leave you begging for more? Look no further than this mouthwatering Spicy Pomodoro Sauce Kale Penne! This Italian-inspired recipe transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that combines the bold heat of red pepper flakes, the rich sweetness of tomatoes, and the nutritious punch of kale. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that's guaranteed to impress your dinner guests and satisfy your deepest comfort food cravings.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add diced tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine with garlic and red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and develop a rich flavor.
- Add chopped kale to the sauce, stirring to incorporate. Cook for 2-3 minutes until kale begins to wilt and become tender.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Add drained penne pasta directly into the skillet with sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure pasta is evenly coated.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously - this is your first chance to build flavor into the dish.
- Don't overcook the kale; it should be just wilted to maintain its vibrant color and nutritional value.
- Reserved pasta water is your secret weapon for creating a silky, perfectly textured sauce.
- Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor - pre-minced garlic can taste flat and lose its punch.
- For extra heat, add an additional pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Fresh basil is crucial for garnish - it adds a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Choose a high-quality olive oil, as it significantly impacts the overall flavor of the sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 401kcal
Carbohydrates: 69g
Protein: 13g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
