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Lemon Kale Pesto Pasta

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Lemon Kale Pesto Pasta

Recipe by Kelli Avila

A celebration of spring, this quick vegetarian pasta recipe is a unique twist on the traditional pesto pasta. Using all the best of what herbs spring has to offer, this Lemon Kale Pesto Pasta is bright, refreshing and ready in under 30 minutes.

  • Total Time22 minutes
  • YieldServes 4

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 pound dried pasta
  • 1 (15-ounce) can navy beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1-1/2 cups fresh spring peas
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice (more to taste)
  • 3 handfuls (about 2-1/2 ounces) baby kale (or regular kale)
  • 2 ounces cilantro leaves (this is about the amount of leaves picked from 1 average bunch of cilantro)
  • 3/4 ounce chives (this is one of the small clamshells of chives)
  • 2 cups (6 ounces) crumbled feta cheese, divided
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water and a big pinch of salt. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and set the timer to cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. When there are just 3 minutes left on the timer, add the navy beans and peas. Continue to cook until the timer goes off. Set aside 1 cup of pasta cooking water. Check the pasta to ensure it’s cooked to your desired tenderness. Drain the pasta, beans, and peas once done and return to the large pot.
  2. Meanwhile, make the pesto: Add the olive oil, lemon juice, baby kale, cilantro, chives, a big pinch of salt and pepper, and 4 ounces of the feta (about 1 ¼ cups) to the jar of a blender. Blend until smooth, adding water if necessary to thin out the mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more lemon juice, salt, or pepper as desired.
  3. Add the pesto to the cooked pasta mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, and pasta water as necessary to achieve your desired consistency. Sprinkle with remaining feta and red pepper flakes (omit if kids are sensitive to spice).
  4. Serve immediately.
  • Prep Time: 00:10
  • Cook Time: 00:12
  • Category: Pasta

Find it online: https://everydayfamilyeats.com/kale-pesto-pasta/