Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Red Pesto Pasta with Chili Kale is a perfect combination of bold, savory, and slightly spicy flavors that will awaken your taste buds. The red pesto sauce, made with sun-dried tomatoes, nuts, garlic, and olive oil, offers a rich depth of flavor that coats every strand of pasta. The chili kale adds a wonderful heat and texture that complements the pesto, while also providing a nutritious boost. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite for its simplicity and satisfying taste.

Ingredients

2 cups of sun-dried tomatoes (in oil)
1/2 cup of walnuts (or pine nuts)
1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese (grated)
2 garlic cloves
1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
300g of pasta (spaghetti or any type you prefer)
4 cups of kale, chopped
1-2 fresh red chili peppers (adjust to your spice preference)
Olive oil for sautéing

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Red Pesto:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, walnuts, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Sauté the Kale:
- While the pasta cooks, heat a bit of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped kale and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it begins to wilt. Add the chili peppers and sauté for another 2-3 minutes, until the kale is fully cooked and slightly crispy.
Combine Pasta and Pesto:
- Once the pasta is cooked and drained, toss it with the red pesto, adding a little reserved pasta water to achieve the desired sauce consistency. Stir in the sautéed chili kale.
Serve:
- Serve the pasta with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: This recipe serves 2-3 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegan: Omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative to make this dish fully plant-based.
Add Protein: For extra protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the pasta.
Nuts: If you’re allergic to walnuts, try using almonds or cashews in place of them.
Spicier: If you prefer more heat, increase the number of chili peppers or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, add a bit of olive oil or water to the pasta and warm it up in a pan on low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

How can I make the pesto ahead of time?

You can make the red pesto ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before using it.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes can be used, but they won’t give the same depth of flavor as sun-dried tomatoes. To make up for this, you may want to roast them beforehand to concentrate the flavors.

Can I freeze this dish?

While pasta with pesto can be frozen, the kale might lose some texture when reheated. It’s best to store the pesto separately and add it to fresh kale when reheating.

What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?

Spaghetti, fusilli, or penne work great with this pesto. Choose your favorite or any pasta shape you have on hand.

Can I use a different green instead of kale?

Yes! You can substitute spinach, arugula, or Swiss chard if you don’t have kale.

How do I make the pesto creamier?

For a creamier pesto, blend in a small amount of cream or coconut cream to the sauce before tossing it with the pasta.

Conclusion

This Red Pesto Pasta with Chili Kale is the perfect blend of savory, nutty, and spicy elements. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s full of flavor and sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its bold taste and vibrant colors. Enjoy every bite!