From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/6
Instructions
1
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, strip the leaves from the ribs of the kale and wash them; peel the garlic clove.
2
Generously salt the boiling water and add the spaghetti, kale, and garlic cloves. Cook the vegetables for five minutes and the pasta according to the package directions.
3
After five minutes, remove the kale and garlic from the water and place them in a food processor. Continue cooking the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
4
Purée the kale with olive oil, ricotta, and zest. Then add the Parmesan and continue puréeing until smooth. Season the sauce generously with salt and pepper.
5
Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water. Return the spaghetti to the pot and toss with the green sauce, adding a little of the reserved pasta water (about 2-3 tablespoons) and stirring well. Season the pasta with chili flakes, add salt and pepper to taste, and serve.
My Calorie Intake
Review & Earn
Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus
Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!
My Notes
Your kitchen notebook is waiting.
Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.
Tips & Tricks (5)
- Massage Your Kale First 💪Massage the raw kale with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil for 1-2 minutes before cooking to break down its tough fibers, making it tender and more receptive to flavors.
- Reserve Pasta Water for Sauce Magic 💧Save at least 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining—this liquid is essential for loosening the ricotta sauce to the perfect creamy consistency without adding cream.
- Bloom Garlic and Chili in Oil First 🌶️Toast minced garlic and mild chili flakes in olive oil for 30-60 seconds over medium heat before adding kale to infuse the oil with deep, aromatic flavors that elevate the entire dish.
- Fold Ricotta Off-Heat for Creaminess 🥄Remove the pan from heat before stirring in ricotta to prevent it from breaking or becoming grainy—the residual warmth will gently incorporate it into a silky sauce.
- Add Lemon Zest at Two Stages 🍋Reserve half your lemon zest to stir in at the end after tossing with pasta; this preserves the bright, fresh citrus notes that would diminish if cooked too long.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Vegetarian
Low Sugar
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
No Recipes Available
EXPLORE
Looking for more?
Use our smart searchtool, explore by category, or browse your customized food feed.