Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake

This Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake is the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition. With tender kale nestled in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, each bite is a delightful mix of creaminess and crunch. The panko topping adds just the right amount of crispiness, making this dish irresistibly delicious. Ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, this baked pasta will win over even the pickiest eaters yes, even those who claim they don’t like kale! Serve it as a standalone meal or pair it with roasted veggies or grilled protein for a well-rounded dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
• 4 quarts water
• ¼ cup + 1 ½ teaspoons salt, divided
• 1 bunch kale, chopped
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat the broiler, positioning the oven rack 8 to 9 inches from the heat source.
2. In a large Dutch oven, bring 4 quarts of water and ¼ cup salt to a boil. Add chopped kale and cook until tender (5-7 minutes). Drain, pat dry, and let cool for 10 minutes.
3. In a microwave-safe cup, heat milk on HIGH for 3 minutes.
4. Melt butter in the Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 6 minutes until tender. Stir in flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes.
5. Gradually whisk in the hot milk, increase heat to medium-high, and bring to a gentle boil. Cook while whisking until thickened (about 6 minutes).
6. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese, black pepper, hot sauce, and the remaining 1 ½ teaspoons of salt.
7. Chop the cooked kale roughly. Fold it into the cheese sauce along with the cooked pasta. Transfer to a greased 11×7-inch baking dish.
8. Mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle on top of the pasta mixture.
9. Broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 430 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Why This Dish Stands Out

This dish perfectly balances indulgence and nutrition. The creamy cheese sauce coats each piece of pasta, creating a luscious texture that makes every bite satisfying. At the same time, the kale adds a boost of vitamins, fiber, and a slight earthy flavor that complements the richness of the cheese. The final touch a crispy golden-brown panko topping adds the perfect contrast of textures.

Unlike other heavy pasta bakes, this one doesn’t rely on excessive amounts of butter or cream. Instead, a roux made with flour and milk creates a velvety sauce without making the dish feel overly rich. This means you can enjoy a generous serving without feeling weighed down.

The Health Benefits of Kale in This Recipe

Kale is often considered a superfood, and for good reason. It’s packed with essential nutrients, including:

• Vitamins A, C, and K: These vitamins support immune function, skin health, and bone strength.
• Iron and Calcium: Two crucial minerals that contribute to better energy levels and stronger bones.
• Fiber: Helps with digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
• Antioxidants: Help fight inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.

Even if you’re not typically a fan of kale, this recipe is an excellent way to incorporate it into your diet. The blanching process softens the tough leaves, and once mixed into the creamy cheese sauce, the bitterness disappears, making it enjoyable even for picky eaters.

What Type of Pasta Works Best?

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can use almost any type of pasta, but certain shapes work better than others.

• Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli: These shapes hold onto the sauce well, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.
• Shells: The pockets in shell pasta trap the creamy sauce, making for an extra indulgent bite.
• Elbow macaroni: If you want a mac-and-cheese-style feel, elbow macaroni works perfectly.

Avoid long, thin pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine, as they don’t mix as well with the thick sauce and kale.

How to Get That Perfect Crispy Topping

A great pasta bake isn’t complete without a golden, crunchy topping. The secret lies in the panko breadcrumbs. Panko, a Japanese-style breadcrumb, is lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, making it ideal for topping baked dishes.

To achieve the best texture:

• Toast the panko with olive oil before adding it to the dish. This enhances the crunch and prevents a soggy top layer.
• Broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. This step ensures that the topping turns a beautiful golden brown without overcooking the pasta underneath.

For added flavor, you can mix grated Parmesan cheese into the panko before sprinkling it on top.

Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal

While this Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake is satisfying on its own, it also pairs beautifully with other dishes. If you’re looking to serve it as part of a larger meal, consider these options:

• Grilled or Roasted Protein: Serve alongside roasted chicken, baked salmon, or even grilled tofu for a more substantial meal.
• Fresh Salad: A light, crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
• Garlic Bread: Because who can resist warm, crispy garlic bread with a cheesy pasta bake?
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasting veggies like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or zucchini adds a nice contrast to the creamy pasta.

Storage and Reheating Tips

One of the best things about this dish is that it makes fantastic leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

Storing:

• Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: The best way to reheat this pasta bake is in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
• Microwave: For a quicker option, reheat in the microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes per serving, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of milk to a pan and warm the pasta over low heat, stirring frequently.

If you’re reheating from frozen, let the dish thaw in the refrigerator overnight before following the reheating steps above.

Customization Ideas

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be adapted based on your dietary preferences or the ingredients you have on hand. Here are some ways to switch it up:

Make It Vegan

• Swap out the milk for unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk.
• Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Replace butter with olive oil or plant-based butter.

Add More Protein

• Stir in cooked shredded chicken, crispy bacon, or crumbled sausage.
• For a vegetarian protein boost, add white beans, chickpeas, or tofu.

Use Different Greens

• If you don’t have kale, try spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens instead.

Make It Spicy

• Add extra hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños for some heat.

Conclusion:

The Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake is a dish that proves comfort food can be both indulgent and nutritious. With its rich, cheesy sauce, hearty pasta, and nutrient-dense kale, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even serving at gatherings.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian dinner option or a side dish to accompany a protein-packed meal, this pasta bake is sure to satisfy.