Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked whole grain spaghetti, where each bite bursts with the vibrant flavors of garlic-infused kale and juicy cherry tomatoes. This isn't just another pasta recipe – it's a nutritional powerhouse that will transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary! Packed with wholesome ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes, this dish proves that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and satisfying.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole grain spaghetti
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 8 oz of whole grain spaghetti, 2 cups of chopped kale, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Also, have some Parmesan cheese ready for serving.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the whole grain spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, prepare the kale and tomatoes. Rinse the kale thoroughly under cold water, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Rinse the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half.
- In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the chopped kale to the skillet with the garlic. Sauté the kale for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to wilt.
- Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the kale. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the kale and tomatoes.
- Gently toss the spaghetti with the kale and tomatoes, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water as needed to help combine the ingredients and create a light sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
- To serve, divide the spaghetti among plates and sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your Whole Grain Spaghetti with Garlicky Kale and Tomatoes!
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously – it should taste like the sea! This is the only chance to season the pasta from the inside out.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid is liquid gold for creating a silky sauce that helps ingredients cling together.
- Don't overcook the kale – you want it wilted but still vibrant green and slightly crisp. About 3-4 minutes of sautéing is perfect.
- Use fresh garlic and mince it finely for the most intense flavor. Pre-minced garlic from a jar won't give you the same punch.
- Choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil, as it's a key flavor component in this simple dish.
- Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh – the flavor is incomparably better than pre-grated cheese.
- For added protein, consider tossing in some white beans or grilled chicken if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 327kcal
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 11g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
