Spaghetti with Kale & Walnut Pesto
Total Time
25 Minutes
Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Rating
4.84 out of 5 stars
(58)
Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 cups packed, torn kale leaves, stems removed
- 1 cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for boiling the pasta
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup walnuts, toasted if desired (see note)
- 2 medium cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- ½ cup grated pecorino Romano cheese
- For Serving:
- ⅓ cup grated pecorino Romano cheese
- ½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted if desired
How would you rate this recipe?
Preparation
Chef’s notes
Toasting the walnuts isn't essential, but it brings out their flavor and makes them crunchier. To toast them, preheat the oven to 350°F. Arrange the walnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake, checking frequently, until lightly toasted and fragrant, 6 to 10 minutes. Transfer immediately to a plate to cool.
Make-Ahead/Freezer-Friendly Instructions:
The pesto will keep in the refrigerator for about a week or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store in a tightly sealed jar or airtight plastic container, covered with a thin layer of olive oil (the oil seals out the air and prevents the pesto from oxidizing, which would turn it an unappetizing brown color).