This creamy kale pasta with crispy parmesan bread crumbs is a delicious way to eat your veggies and protein. Yes, protein! That’s because the silky smooth texture of the sauce doesn’t come from cream, it comes from beans!
Equipment
Everything you need to make this creamy kale pasta at home:
- large pot
- colander
- spider or tongs
- blender
- wooden spoon
- small frying pan
Creamy Kale Pasta w Crispy Parm Bread Crumbs
4-6
servings30
minutesIngredients
10 large kale leaves, stems removed (Tuscan or curly)
1 garlic clove, peeled
400g pasta
1 540mL can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
3 anchovies or 3 tbsp capers
4 tbsp butter
1 cup grated parmesan
1 cup bread crumbs
salt (I'm using Diamond Crystal)
cracked black pepper
Directions
Heat a large pot of water on high.
Right before the water boils, season generously with salt and add your kale and garlic. Reduce heat slightly so the water doesn't reach a boil. Cook like this until the kale is dark green and the garlic is soft, about 5 minutes.
Using a spider or slotted spoon, transfer the kale and garlic to a blender. Add cannellini beans, 2 anchovies (or 2 tbsp capers), walnuts and 3/4 cup water. Blend until completely smooth. Mix in 1/2 tsp salt, taste and adjust seasoning. It should taste bright with a hint of umami. Set aside.
Back in the pot, bring the water to a boil, topping the pot up if it's looking low. Season again with more salt. Add pasta and cook until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, make your crispy parm bread crumbs. Heat a small saucepan on medium heat, add 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 anchovy (or 1 tbsp capers). Cook until soft, then smash with the back of a wooden spoon until it melts into the oil. Once melted, add bread crumbs and cook, stirring often, until light brown and toasted. Cut the heat and mix in your parmesan. Set aside to cool, until ready to eat.
Back in the pot, reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain the rest. Transfer the pasta back to the pot and cover in kale sauce. Add butter and mix, gradually adding pasta water as you go, until bright green and glossy.
Serve warm with crispy parm bread crumbs. Enjoy!
Note
- Don't worry if the parmesan starts to clump in your bread crumbs. When it's time to serve, just break up those larger pieces with your hands. You should worry, however, if the bread crumbs start to burn. Remember that they will continue to brown after you remove the pan from the heat. So look for that golden brown colour and call it a day!
Tag me @stefsdinnerdate on Instagram and TikTok if you make it! I love seeing your creations.