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Close-up of spaghetti with wilted kale, red chili flakes, and grated cheese, a fork rests on the side.

Spaghetti with Garlic, Kale, and Red Pepper Flakes

This recipe offers a quick and flavorful dinner option, perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender spaghetti with wilted kale, infused with the bold tastes of garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Pasta Cooking Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Spaghetti
  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 1 cup pasta water reserved from cooking
For the Sauce
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste
  • 1 large bunch lacinato kale stemmed and chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup parsley chopped
  • Parmesan or Vegan Parmesan for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Citrus zester

Method
 

  1. Cook the spaghetti in a pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the garlic is lightly browned.
  3. Add the chopped kale, sea salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook, tossing with tongs, until the kale is wilted, up to 1 minute.
  4. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine. Add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss to create a light sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add the remaining ½ cup of pasta water.
  5. Season to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with Parmesan or vegan Parmesan.

Notes

This recipe is easily adaptable. Feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans for a more substantial meal. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred level of heat.

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