Kale Pesto Pasta with Chicken Meatballs

Kale Pesto Pasta with Chicken Meatballs

3 Likes

Twirly noodles tossed in a five-minute kale pesto, tender chicken meatballs, and plenty of nutty parmesan are the makings of our new favorite throw-it-together weeknight meal – Kale Pesto Pasta. Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean we have to leave homemade pesto behind. Swapping out hearty wintery kale for a portion of the pesto brings a healthier aspect to our pesto and using crunchy pistachios instead of pine nuts make this easy meal super special.

Category Pasta

Recipe Ingredients

3 cups packed kale, stems remove and massaged

1 cup basil

1/4 cup parmesan cheese (heaping), plus more for garnish

2 tsp lemon zest

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 large garlic clove

1/4 cup pistachios (you can also use almonds, walnuts or pine nuts)

1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided

1/4 cup olive oil

24 chicken meatballs

16 oz pappardelle

1/2 cup to 1 cup starchy pasta water

Recipes