If you’re looking for a way to add more greens to your diet without sacrificing flavor, this hella green pasta is the perfect dish to try.
It’s vibrant, creamy, and packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for both adults and kids.
This easy recipe transforms simple ingredients like kale, garlic, and lemon into a luscious pasta sauce that’s as satisfying as it is healthy.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This easy recipe is a game-changer for anyone who struggles to eat enough leafy greens. The key ingredient, kale, blends seamlessly with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan cheese to create a silky-smooth sauce that coats every strand of pasta beautifully.
The bright green color makes it visually appealing, while the combination of flavors keeps it incredibly delicious. Plus, it’s simple to make and requires only a handful of pantry staples.
Unlike traditional creamy pasta sauces that rely heavily on dairy, this recipe gets its richness from a mix of starchy pasta water and extra-virgin olive oil.
The result is a light yet indulgent dish that doesn’t feel heavy. Best of all, the preparation time is minimal, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Tips for the Best Green Pasta
To get the best texture and flavor from this recipe, follow these simple tips:
- Use fresh kale: Lacinato kale (also known as dinosaur kale) works best because of its tender texture and mild taste. However, curly kale will also work if that’s what you have on hand.
- Boil the garlic: Cooking the garlic in the same pot as the kale softens its bite, making it mellow and flavorful.
- Don’t forget the pasta water: The reserved pasta water is essential for achieving a silky, emulsified sauce. It helps blend everything together smoothly.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and tweak it with extra lemon juice, salt, or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
These small details will take your dish from good to great, ensuring a perfectly balanced and creamy sauce every time.
Customization Ideas
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ways to customize it:
- Make it vegan: Swap out the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.
- Add protein: Top your pasta with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy chickpeas for added texture and nutrition.
- Try different greens: If you don’t have kale, spinach or Swiss chard will work just as well.
- Go gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for meal prepping or feeding a family with different tastes.
Serving Suggestions
This easy recipe is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with a variety of sides to make a complete meal.
A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta, while crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
If you’re looking for a heartier option, serve it alongside grilled vegetables or a lean protein of your choice.
For a little extra flair, garnish the pasta with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and more freshly grated Parmesan. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top just before serving can also enhance the flavors.
A Perfect Meal for Any Occasion
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a dish to impress guests, this easy recipe has you covered.
It’s a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal that proves eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring.
The combination of bright, fresh flavors with creamy texture makes it a standout dish that everyone will love.
Easy Hella Green Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- Kosher salt
- 1 large bunch lacinato kale about 12 ounces
- 6 garlic cloves peeled
- 1 pound dried pasta any shape
- 2 lemons
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Kale and Garlic: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add the kale and garlic, letting them cook until the kale is very soft and the garlic is tender, which should take about 8 minutes. Using tongs, remove the kale and garlic, squeezing out any excess liquid before transferring them to a blender. Keep the boiling water in the pot for the next steps.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring the same pot of water back to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then return the drained pasta to the pot.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, zest one of the lemons directly into the blender. Then, cut both lemons in half and squeeze their juice into the blender as well. Add the olive oil, Parmesan, 1 teaspoon of salt, and red pepper flakes. Blend everything together on high speed until smooth, adding small amounts of the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a thick sauce. If the mixture is too dense to blend, continue adding more water gradually to help it along. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Combine the Sauce and Pasta: Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta in the pot, stirring well to evenly coat the noodles. If necessary, add a bit more of the reserved pasta water to achieve a smooth, glossy consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the pasta among serving bowls. Top with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles. Also an aspiring cook we he researches and tries all kinds of different food recipes and shares what works best.