Penne Pasta with Kale, Bacon & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
I know some of you are saying "Ewww Kale!". Seriously, it's good. If you can do spinach, you can do kale, especially in this recipe. It's heavily flavored with yumminess. Plus, everyone needs some hearty greens!
Ingredients
8 ounces penne pasta
5 cups bagged pre-washed kale
2 slices of bacon
1/4C oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1/2t crushed red pepper (might want to decrease this for the kiddies)
3 large garlic cloves, chopped (fresh not jarred, there is a flavor difference)
1/2t freshly ground black pepper
3/8t salt
1oz fresh Parmesan, shaved (I promise it's worth the cost to buy the wedge)
2T lemon juice
Directions
Cook the pasta as directed but add in the kale for the last 2 minutes. Drain in a colander, reserving 1/2C cooking liquid. While pasta is cooking, cook bacon in a skillet until crisp. Remove, crumble, set aside, keeping bacon grease in pan. Reduce heat to medium-low and add sun-dried tomatoes, crushed red pepper, and garlic to drippings. Cook 1 minute, stirring frequently. Add pasta mixture, reserved cooking liquid, salt and pepper to pan; toss to combine. Top with bacon and cheese; drizzle with lemon juice.
Mmmmmmm! I LOVE kale! I will definitely have to try this recipe! And I totally agree that the wedge is worth it - much better flavor!
ReplyDeleteYum! I've never cooked with kale before, but this recipe might inspire me! And I agree, fresh garlic is a must....I won't even buy the jarred stuff anymore!
ReplyDeleteThis cracks me up. Guess what we had for dinner last night?
ReplyDeleteRotini, bacon, fresh tomatoes, spinach, garlic with a little evoo and parm.
I know, not exactly the same - but pretty darn close.
I will have to try this next time! I've never had kale but I trust you! :) And I love spinach!