Cherry Tomato Kale Ricotta Pesto Pasta Recipes

KALE PESTO PASTA WITH BURST CHERRY TOMATOES

Steps:

• In the bowl of a food processor, combine the chopped kale, pecans, lemon juice, garlic cloves and salt. Pour in the olive oil and blend on high for 15 seconds, until smooth. You may need to scrape down the sides a few times in between blending.
• Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Add the spaghetti and cook as directed.
• Meanwhile, cook the tomatoes. In a separate medium-size pan, warm 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the tomatoes and a pinch of salt, then cover and cook for 10 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to burst open. Remove from heat and set aside. (Be careful not to lift the lid when the tomatoes are hot, as the juices and the oil will splatter! You can shake the pan by the handle to toss the tomatoes as needed.)
• When the pasta is tender, remove from heat and drain. Transfer the pasta back to the pot, then spoon the kale pesto on top. Toss until the pesto is evenly distributed. Add the tomatoes to the pot and toss together. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil and/or grated parmesan cheese.

CHERRY TOMATO, KALE, RICOTTA & PESTO PASTA

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large saucepan, add the garlic and cook for 2 mins until golden. Add the chilli flakes and tomatoes, season well, and simmer for 15 mins until the sauce is thick and reduced.
• While the sauce is cooking, cook the pasta following pack instructions - add the kale for the final 2 mins of cooking. Drain well and stir into the sauce, then divide between 4 bowls. Top each with a dollop of ricotta, a drizzle of pesto and shavings of Parmesan, if you like.

TOMATO RICOTTA PESTO PASTA

Steps:

• Cook the pasta according to package instructions. When finished, scoop out 1 cup of the pasta water and drain the pasta using a colander.
• Transfer the pasta back into the pot and mix in the tomato ricotta pesto. Add about 1/4 of a cup of pasta water at a time to thin out the sauce to your liking.
• While the pasta is cooking, add 2 tbsps of olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the panko, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes, stir to coat the panko and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the panko is toasted. Right before removing it from the heat, add lemon juice from half the lemon.
• Using the same skillet you used for the lemony panko, add 1 tbsp of olive oil and heat over high heat. Once the pan is scorching hot add all the tomato ingredients except for the balsamic vinegar. The tomatoes will sizzle right away so it's best to cover them with a splatter guard. Let them cook for 4-5 minutes until the tomatoes begin to burst, stirring occasionally. Right before removing them from the heat, add the balsamic vinegar, stir, and transfer to a plate.
• Add the tomatoes and the panko to the pot with the pasta, mix, and divide between plates. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and freshly shredded romano cheese.

VEGAN KALE PESTO PASTA WITH PAN-ROASTED CHERRY TOMATOES

Steps:

• Bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil, and cook your pasta to al dente, according to package directions. Drain it, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water. If using rice-based gluten-free pasta, rinse with cold water. Otherwise, drain but do not rinse.
• Add the toasted walnuts to your food processor and pulse a few times until crumbled.
• Add the kale, basil, nondairy milk, lemon juice, and salt, and continue to pulse, stopping to stir and scrape the sides if needed, until the kale and basil are finely chopped. Add more lemon juice to taste if desired, and set aside.
• Warm the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until nicely browning and starting to get a little juicy - about 5-7 minutes.
• In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallot and a sprinkle of salt. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the shallot is softened. Add the garlic and cook for just about 60 seconds more, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant.
• Add the pesto and stir. Cook, stirring frequently, until the kale softens slightly and turns brighter green, about 3-4 minutes depending on the variety of kale used.
• Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened slightly and clings to the pasta, and is warm throughout. Remove from the heat and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve warm. Leftovers will store for up to 3-4 days, once cooled to room temperature.

FIVE INGREDIENT TOMATO RICOTTA LINGUINI

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Season liberally with salt. It should taste like the sea.
• While the water comes to a boil, heat a large saute pan to a medium heat. Add olive oil, once oil is hot, add tomatoes. Saute until tomatoes start to soften, after 5-7 minutes. After 2-3 minutes of cooking, drop the pasta in to the water, make sure to use tongs to separate the noodles.
• Once tomatoes start to soften, add garlic and toss. Saute 2 minutes.
• When the pasta is just under aldente, use tongs to transfer the pasta to the tomatoes and garlic. (We want the pasta to be underdone because it will finish cooking in the sauce). Be sure to reserve cooking liquid! Add 1/2 cup along with the noodles and salt. Use tongs to toss.
• Add ricotta. Toss. If necessary, add another 1/4-1/2 cup of pasta water. (I used 1/2 cup) Season to taste with salt and pepper.