Easy Kale Tomato Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Kale Tomato Pasta is a wholesome, fuss-free dish that brings together the hearty texture of kale with the bright, tangy flavor of tomatoes. It’s a perfect weeknight meal—quick to make, full of fiber and vitamins, and endlessly satisfying. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this pasta is a great way to enjoy leafy greens in a comforting bowl of carbs.

ingredients

this Recipe

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

pasta of choice (penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni)olive oilgarliconioncrushed tomatoes or cherry tomatoesfresh or curly kalevegetable broth or pasta waterred pepper flakes (optional)salt and pepperParmesan or nutritional yeast (optional)

directions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.

Add the tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until they begin to break down and release their juices.

Stir in the chopped kale and a splash of vegetable broth or reserved pasta water. Cook until the kale is wilted and tender.

Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well until everything is evenly coated.

Serve warm, topped with Parmesan or nutritional yeast if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add white beans or chickpeas for extra protein.

Use spinach or Swiss chard in place of kale for a milder green.

Top with toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts for added crunch.

Stir in a splash of cream or vegan alternative for a richer sauce.

Swap crushed tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper flavor.

storage/reheating

Store Easy Kale Tomato Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To reheat, warm in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes?

Yes, crushed or diced canned tomatoes work great and save time.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, just skip the cheese or use a vegan substitute like nutritional yeast.

Can I use frozen kale?

Absolutely, just thaw and drain it before adding to the skillet.

What pasta works best?

Short pasta holds up well, but spaghetti or linguine also work nicely.

How do I make it spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, it reheats well and is great for meal prep.

Can I freeze leftovers?

It’s best fresh, but can be frozen for up to 1 month—reheat gently after thawing.

What can I serve with this?

A side salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly.

How do I keep kale from being too bitter?

Cook it until tender and balance flavors with a bit of acidity from tomatoes or a squeeze of lemon.

What’s the best way to chop kale?

Remove the stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Conclusion

Easy Kale Tomato Pasta is a flavorful, nourishing meal that comes together quickly with pantry staples and fresh greens. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you need a simple dish that still delivers on taste and comfort.

Print