Easy Kale Tomato Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful pasta dish that comes together in no time and doesn’t skimp on nutrition, this Easy Kale Tomato Pasta is exactly what your weeknight dinner rotation needs. It’s rich in flavor from the garlicky tomato sauce, boosted with the earthiness of kale, and delivers that satisfying pasta coziness we all love—without a lot of effort. Everything cooks up quickly in one pan, making it a go-to for when you’re tired, hungry, and just want something really, really good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Fuss-Free: This is one of those magical meals that you can whip up in under 30 minutes—perfect for hectic evenings.
• Packed with Flavor: Juicy tomatoes, caramelized garlic, and slightly crisp kale all come together in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce that hugs every bite of pasta.
• Nutritious but Comforting: This dish checks both boxes—leafy greens and lycopene-rich tomatoes meet carb-loving satisfaction.
• Minimal Cleanup: It’s mostly a one-pan situation (plus one pot for pasta), so cleanup is a breeze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this deliciously easy pasta:

• Pasta: Any short or long pasta works well—penne, spaghetti, rigatoni, or even whole wheat or gluten-free options. Choose what you love!
• Kale: Curly kale or lacinato (dino) kale adds a hearty, slightly bitter bite that balances the sweet tomatoes. Remove thick stems and chop it finely for best texture.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Go for fire-roasted if you want extra depth. These form the base of your savory sauce.
• Garlic: A generous amount of fresh garlic makes the whole dish aromatic and punchy. Don’t skip it.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the garlic and kale, adding richness and a silky texture.
• Onion: A diced onion sweetens the sauce as it cooks, giving it a mellow background flavor.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but a pinch adds a beautiful touch of warmth.
• Parmesan Cheese: For finishing—nutty, salty, and ties the dish together. Use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To season the sauce and bring out the best in every ingredient.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on this dish? Here are some delicious ways to mix it up:

• Add Protein: Stir in chickpeas, grilled chicken, or sautéed Italian sausage to bulk it up.
• Creamy Twist: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to make the sauce luscious and velvety.
• Make It Vegan: Skip the cheese and use nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan. It’s still incredibly tasty.
• Extra Veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers can all be tossed in with the kale for even more veggie power.
• Spice It Up: Amp up the heat with more red pepper flakes or a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste.

How to Make Easy Kale Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or deep pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Kale

Toss the chopped kale into the skillet and sauté until it starts to wilt and turn vibrant green—about 3 to 4 minutes. If the pan looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to thicken slightly and allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. Use some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cut Kale Small: Chopping the kale into small, bite-sized pieces helps it cook down quickly and evenly without becoming too chewy.
• Don’t Overcook Garlic: Add garlic after onions so it doesn’t burn. Burnt garlic will turn bitter and overpower the sauce.
• Use Pasta Water Wisely: The starchy water is your best friend for getting the sauce to cling beautifully to the pasta.
• Finish in the Pan: Let the pasta simmer with the sauce for a minute or two—this brings everything together and gives the pasta more flavor.

How to Serve

This pasta is fabulous on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, here are some ideas:

Garnish Ideas:

• A sprinkle of chili flakes
• Shaved Parmesan
• Fresh basil or parsley

Side Dishes:

• Crusty garlic bread or focaccia
• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts

Make It a Meal:

• Add a protein like grilled salmon or a poached egg on top for extra richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers even better.

Freezing

This pasta can be frozen, but keep in mind that the kale may lose some texture. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil over medium heat until warmed through. Microwave is fine too—just cover to keep moisture in.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Use about 4 to 5 chopped ripe tomatoes. Let them cook a bit longer to break down and create that saucy consistency.

What kind of kale works best?
Both curly kale and lacinato (dino) kale work well. Lacinato has a smoother texture, while curly kale adds more chew. Just make sure to remove the tough stems either way.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes! It stores and reheats beautifully, making it a great option for prepping lunches or quick dinners in advance.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Definitely—just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Brown rice pasta and chickpea pasta both hold up well in this dish.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Kale Tomato Pasta is proof that weeknight meals don’t need to be complicated to be deeply satisfying. It’s hearty, vibrant, and incredibly forgiving—perfect for using what you have and making it your own. Try it once and it might just become your go-to dinner when you need something nourishing, delicious, and on the table fast.

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