What an eventful weekend! It was a nice change of pace from binge-watching Netflix shows and piddling around the house.
- On Saturday, I attended my first virtual baby shower – complete with baby-themed games – for a longtime friend.
- On Sunday, the family gathered for lunch to celebrate my mom’s birthday. We enjoyed takeout from Dish N Dash and tiramisu cake from Sweet Orchid.
- And, most important, my brother and his wife welcomed their second baby boy on Monday! (It feels like just yesterday when I announced the arrival of their firstborn.)
Of course, I prepared a quick meal, too – namely, spaghetti aglio e olio with kale. You only need five ingredients to make this simple but satisfying primo piatto, and it comes together in a cinch.
For a heartier course, serve spaghetti aglio e olio with kale alongside your favorite source of protein (such as grilled chicken or shrimp). Or simply double the recipe and plate bigger portions.
Recipe adapted from Bon Appétit.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Kale
Makes 2-3 servings
Ingredients
- ¾ pound kale, ribs removed and roughly chopped
- 2½ tablespoons olive oil, plus more for finish
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- sea salt, to taste
- 6 ounces spaghetti
- dried chili flakes and finely grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add kale and cook, stirring occasionally, until bright green, about 2 minutes. Use tongs to remove kale from water and place in a colander; reserve the cooking liquid. Rinse kale with cold water, drain well and squeeze to remove excess moisture. Set aside.
- In a medium sauce pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Season with pepper and crush the cloves with the back of a wooden spoon.
- Add prepared kale and cook, stirring often, until very tender, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring reserved water to a boil. Cook spaghetti 2 minutes less than al dente according to package directions. Using tongs, transfer cooked pasta to pan with garlic and kale.
- Add ¾ cup reserved cooking liquid to pot; stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes. If necessary, add more reserved cooking liquid to loosen the sauce.
- Drizzle with olive oil and top with chili flakes and Parmesan cheese.
