Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the magic of kale avocado pasta! I stumbled upon this dish on a particularly busy weeknight when I needed something quick, healthy, and delicious. The moment I took my first bite, I was hooked! It’s not just a pretty plate; it’s loaded with nutrient-rich kale and creamy avocado, making it a powerhouse of flavor and health. Seriously, you get that satisfying pasta texture while nourishing your body with good fats and fiber. Plus, it’s super simple to whip up, so it’s perfect for those of us who love to cook but don’t always have hours to spend in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding this to your regular meal rotation!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients to create your very own kale avocado pasta masterpiece:
- 200g pasta – I usually go for whole grain for that extra fiber boost, but any pasta you love works wonderfully!
- 1 cup kale, chopped – Fresh kale brings a lovely green color and nutrients. Make sure to remove the tough stems!
- 1 ripe avocado – Choose one that’s perfectly soft; it’ll give that creamy texture we crave in this dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch that can’t be beat!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Use a good quality olive oil for that rich flavor.
- Salt to taste – I never skip this; it really brings out all the flavors!
- Pepper to taste – A little fresh cracked pepper adds a nice kick.
- Grated parmesan (optional) – If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle some on top for a salty, cheesy finish.
That’s it! Super straightforward, right? Now you’re all set to whip up this delicious dish!
How to Prepare Kale Avocado Pasta
Let’s dive into the fun part—making this delicious kale avocado pasta! It’s a breeze, and I promise you’ll love every step.
Cooking the Pasta
Start by boiling a big pot of water—about 4-6 quarts should do it. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in a generous pinch of salt. This is key for flavor! Now, add your 200g of pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes for al dente. Just keep an eye on it—you want it tender but not mushy. When it’s ready, drain it in a colander, but don’t rinse! You want that starchy goodness to help the sauce cling later.
Sautéing the Kale
While your pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—oh, the smell is divine! Next, toss in the chopped kale. Cook it for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s wilted and vibrant green. You know it’s done when it’s tender but still bright; we don’t want it to lose that beautiful color!
Preparing the Avocado
Now, let’s work on that creamy avocado! Slice your ripe avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Using a fork, mash it up until it’s smooth but still slightly chunky—this gives it a lovely texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to add a squeeze of lemon juice if you want a little zing and to keep it from browning!
Combining Ingredients
Finally, it’s time to bring everything together! In a large mixing bowl, combine your drained pasta, sautéed kale, and the mashed avocado. Toss everything together gently; you want to ensure each piece of pasta is coated with that luscious avocado and mixed with the kale. Don’t be shy—get in there and mix it up! Serve it hot, and if you like, top with some grated parmesan for that extra yum!
Tips for Success
To make your kale avocado pasta truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, always opt for fresh ingredients. Fresh kale and ripe avocados make a world of difference in flavor and texture. When cooking your pasta, remember to salt the water generously; it’s your chance to infuse flavor right into the pasta itself!
As for seasoning, taste as you go! Don’t hesitate to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking—everyone’s palate is a bit different. If you want to elevate the dish even more, a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving adds a bright freshness that complements the avocado beautifully.
Lastly, don’t overcook the kale; you want it tender but still vibrant. A quick sauté is all it needs! Follow these tips, and you’ll have a delicious, vibrant dish that will impress everyone at the table!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to kale avocado pasta, you can feel good about what you’re putting on your plate! Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. For instance, opting for whole grain pasta might increase the fiber content a bit, while adding parmesan will certainly change the fat and calorie amounts. Regardless, this dish is a nutritious powerhouse that’s both satisfying and delicious!
FAQ Section
Can I use other greens instead of kale?
Absolutely! Spinach, Swiss chard, or even arugula would be fantastic substitutes. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them!
What if I don’t have ripe avocados?
No worries! If your avocados aren’t ripe yet, you can mash in some store-bought guacamole for a quick fix, or just wait a day or two until they soften up. Trust me, the creaminess is key!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the components ahead! Cook the pasta and sauté the kale, then store them separately in the fridge. Just mash the avocado fresh before serving to keep it vibrant and creamy!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover kale avocado pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be aware that the avocado might brown, but a quick stir should help revive it!
Is this dish vegan-friendly?
Yes! Just skip the parmesan cheese, and you’ve got a delicious vegan meal that’s packed with nutrients. Enjoy without any guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in about 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy and satisfying!
- Nutrient-Packed: With kale and avocado, you’re loading up on vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that nourish your body.
- Flavorful and Creamy: The combination of sautéed garlic, vibrant kale, and creamy avocado creates a deliciously rich flavor profile that’s simply irresistible.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite proteins or other veggies to make it your own! Chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas all work well.
- Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly: This dish caters to everyone at the table, whether they’re meat lovers or plant-based eaters.
- Minimal Cleanup: With just one pot and one skillet, you won’t be drowning in dirty dishes after your meal—yay for easy cleanup!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftover kale avocado pasta, simply place it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 2 days. Just a heads up, the avocado might brown a bit, but don’t worry—give it a good stir before serving to freshen it up!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. You can add a splash of water or olive oil to help it warm through without drying out. Enjoy your delicious meal again, just like the first time!
Print
Kale Avocado Pasta: 5 Reasons You’ll Crave This Delight
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A healthy and delicious pasta dish featuring kale and avocado.
Ingredients
- 200g pasta
- 1 cup kale, chopped
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Grated parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add chopped kale and cook until wilted.
- In a bowl, mash the avocado and season with salt and pepper.
- Combine cooked pasta, sautéed kale, and mashed avocado.
- Toss well to combine. Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Use whole grain pasta for extra fiber.
- Vegan option: omit parmesan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: kale avocado pasta