If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious dinner option, look no further than this Brown Butter Kale Pasta recipe. This dish is packed with flavor and loaded with healthy ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. The combination of brown butter, tender kale, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a mouthwatering dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
To make this recipe, you’ll start by browning the butter, which adds a rich and nutty flavor to the dish. Then, you’ll add the kale and garlic, cooking until the kale is wilted and tender. Finally, you’ll toss in the cooked pasta and season with salt and pepper to taste. The result is a perfectly balanced meal that is both comforting and nutritious.
Not only is this Brown Butter Kale Pasta recipe delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a wholesome and satisfying meal on the table in no time. So, why wait? Try this recipe and see for yourself just how delicious healthy eating can be!
What is Brown Butter?
To make brown butter, unsalted butter is melted in a saucepan over medium-high heat. As the butter melts, the water content evaporates, and the milk solids start to separate and sink to the bottom. The butter is then gently stirred or swirled in the pan until the milk solids start to brown. The process of browning the milk solids results in the release of a distinct nutty aroma.
Note: The table below outlines the steps to make brown butter:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. |
| 2 | Stir or swirl the butter as it melts to help it cook evenly. |
| 3 | Continue cooking until the milk solids turn brown and release a nutty aroma. |
| 4 | Remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer the brown butter to a separate container to prevent further browning. |
The process of browning the butter adds a unique and rich flavor profile to various dishes, making it a popular ingredient in both sweet and savory recipes. It can be used as a topping for vegetables, drizzled over pasta, incorporated into baked goods, or even used as a base for sauces and vinaigrettes. The versatility of brown butter allows it to enhance the flavors of many different dishes, making it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike.
Ingredients for Brown Butter Kale Pasta
In order to make Brown Butter Kale Pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces of pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bunch of kale, stems removed and leaves thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
To start, cook the pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Cook the butter until it turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This process will take about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to let the butter burn.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the sliced kale and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the kale has wilted and become tender, about 3-4 minutes.
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pasta | 8 ounces |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Kale (thinly sliced) | 1 bunch |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Once the kale is cooked, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again until it is evenly distributed.
Your Brown Butter Kale Pasta is now ready to be served. Enjoy!
Gather the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need:
- 8 ounces of pasta (any type you prefer)
- 1 bunch of kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Kale
In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Cook the butter until it turns a golden brown color and gives off a nutty aroma. Be careful not to let the butter burn. Add the minced garlic to the brown butter and sauté for about a minute, until fragrant.
Add the chopped kale to the pan with the brown butter and garlic. Cook the kale for about 5 minutes, until it wilts and becomes tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the Pasta and Kale
Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the kale. Toss to evenly coat the pasta with the brown butter and kale mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the flavors meld together and the pasta is heated through.
Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the brown butter kale pasta to serving plates and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy this simple yet flavorful and nutritious meal!
