Lemony Kale Pasta with Bacon & Shallots
This lemony kale pasta with bacon and shallots is super light and flavorful.
Kale season is upon us. I love kale season because greens thrive in the cold weather and they are extra sweet during this time of the year. This kale pasta is super flavorful thanks to the shallots, bacon, garlic and lemon. The lemon really lightens up this dish and makes it taste super fresh.
What are the Ingredients for Lemony Kale Pasta?
Here are the ingredients for the pasta:
Pasta
Bacon
Kale
Garlic
Shallots
Lemon Juice
Walnuts
Parmesan
What Type of Kale Should Be Used?
The great thing about this pasta is that any type of kale works. I used curly kale, but you could use dino kale if you’d like. Some grocery stores even have kale that is already chopped which is super convenient.
How to Make Lemony Kale Pasta
First boil the pasta al dente according to the instructions. Make sure to save some of the pasta water! Cook the bacon and then save the bacon grease. Add the shallots and garlic into the pan. Once they are fragrant, add in the kale and walnuts. It may seem like a lot of kale at first, but it will reduce in size quite a bit.
After the kale cooks for a couple of minutes, add in the lemon juice. Then add in the bacon, pasta water, and grated parmesan. Stir until the ingredients are well incorporated. Then add in the pasta and stir until its well coated.
Lemony Kale Pasta with Bacon & Shallots
ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta
- 5 slices bacon
- 2 shallots, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 bunch kale, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 cup pasta water
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Zest of one lemon
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- Olive oil, for serving
instructions:
How to cook Lemony Kale Pasta with Bacon & Shallots
- Cook the pasta al dente according to the instructions. After the pasta is done cooking, make sure to save 3/4 cup pasta water. Then drain the pasta.
- Cook the bacon in a pan, then remove it from the pan. Keep the the bacon grease. Add the sliced shallots, and garlic into the same pan over medium heat. Once they begin to smell fragrant, add in the walnuts and chopped kale. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then add in the fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Break the bacon into small pieces and add it into the pan as well. Then add the pasta water and parmesan cheese. Stir until all the ingredients are incorporated. Then add in the pasta and stir until the pasta is well coated.
- Serve with a drizzle of olive oil, red pepper flakes (optional) and lemon zest. Add extra parmesan if desired.