Easy Kale Tomato Pasta
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If you’re looking for a simple, flavor-packed vegan pasta recipe, this quick and Easy Kale Tomato Pasta is calling your name. It’s fresh, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes, which is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nourishing without the hassle. The juicy cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness, the kale adds a deliciously earthy bite, and the garlic and red pepper flakes bring just the right amount of heat.
Grab your pot, and let’s get cooking this quick vegan pasta!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Kale Tomato Pasta Recipe
✅ Quick & Easy – This dish comes together in about 30 minutes. No complicated steps, just good food fast.
✅ Nutrient-Packed – Kale is a superfood loaded with vitamins, while cherry tomatoes bring antioxidants and a touch of natural sweetness.
✅ Crowd-Pleasing – Even non-vegans will love this dish! It’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying.
✅ Customizable – Swap in different greens, add more spice, or mix up the vegan cheese to keep things interesting.
Ingredients You Need
Easy healthy Kale Tomato Pasta recipe
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 large or 4 smaller bunches kale, any type (about 1½ pounds)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¾ cup grated vegan parmesan, divided or vegan feta cheese
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1-2 tsp crushed black pepper
Instructions How to Make Healthy Kale Tomato Pasta
- Bring a large pot of 2 tablespoons of salt to a boil. Cook pasta, stirring occasionally, until very al dente (2–3 minutes less than package directions). Reserve 1 cup of the reserved pasta water.
- In a skillet, add a splash of olive oil and add the grated garlic and sautée for about 30 seconds, then add in the tomatoes and kale and cook until the kale starts to wilt and the cherry tomatoes start blistering.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the tomatoes and kale and toss everything together. Add ¼ cup of the olive oil with some of the reserved water and 1/2 cup of the parmesan cheese/feta cheese.
- Serve pasta topped with remaining vegan parmesan/feta cheese, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and more black pepper.
Health Benefits of Kale & Tomatoes
This pasta isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients:
🥬 Kale – Loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, plus fiber to support digestion and overall gut health.
🍅 Cherry Tomatoes – Bursting with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known to support heart health and reduce inflammation.
🧄 Garlic – A natural immune booster that also adds tons of flavor.
By combining these powerhouse ingredients with pasta, olive oil, and a sprinkle of vegan cheese, you get a dish that tastes indulgent but is actually doing your body some good!
How to Store Leftovers
🥡 Refrigerate – Store this quick vegan pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil.
❄️ Freeze – While pasta dishes aren’t always the best for freezing, you can freeze leftovers in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Variations to Try
🔹 Swap the Greens – No kale? No problem! Try spinach, arugula, or Swiss chard instead.
🔹 Make It Creamy – Stir in a little unsweetened coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamy version.
🔹 Add Protein – Toss in some crispy tofu, chickpeas, or vegan sausage for extra heartiness.
🔹 Spice It Up – If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle
In today’s fast-paced world, finding quick and healthy meal options can seem like an impossible task. But with easy and healthy kale tomato pasta recipe, we’ve uncovered the perfect solution. Not only is this dish delicious and satisfying, but it’s also packed with nutrients and can be made in just 30 minutes. By incorporating simple ingredients like kale and tomatoes, here’s a recipe that is not only easy but also incredibly versatile and this dish is the perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. Plus, with endless variations and flavor combinations, you’ll never get bored. As always, happy cooking!
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Easy Kale Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- salt
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 cloves garlic grated
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 large or 4 smaller bunches kale any type (about 1½ pounds)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¾ cup grated vegan parmesan divided (or vegan feta cheese)
- 1-2 teaspoons crushed black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally, until very al dente (2–3 minutes less than package directions). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.1 pound spaghetti, salt
- In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add grated garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.2 cloves garlic
- Add cherry tomatoes and kale to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the kale starts to wilt and the cherry tomatoes soften and blister.2 cups cherry tomatoes, 3 large or 4 smaller bunches kale
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Pour in ¼ cup of olive oil, some reserved pasta water, and ½ cup of vegan parmesan or feta. Toss everything together until well combined.1/2 cup reserved pasta water, ¾ cup grated vegan parmesan, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- If the pasta looks too dry, add more reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve immediately, topped with the remaining vegan parmesan or feta, crushed red pepper flakes, sea salt, and extra black pepper to taste.1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 1-2 teaspoons crushed black pepper, salt
Notes
- Undercook the pasta by 2–3 minutes; it will finish in the skillet.
- Save pasta water to create a silky sauce.
- Massage kale if using curly kale for a softer texture.
- Adjust spice by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Pick your vegan cheese – parmesan for classic flavor, feta for a tangy twist.
- Make it gluten-free with your favorite GF pasta.
