Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Greens

When I think of comfort food, Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Greens comes to mind. It’s that dish I turn to on a busy weeknight when I crave something quick yet satisfying. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—it’s all about fresh ingredients that come together in a delightful harmony. Just recently, I whipped up this dish for a small gathering, and it stole the show! Friends were drawn in by the zesty aroma of sautéed garlic and lemon zest, and soon enough, everyone was asking for the recipe. This pasta isn’t just about filling your stomach; it’s about bringing people together and creating memories around the table.

What to Buy for Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Greens

For this recipe, the philosophy behind the ingredients is all about freshness and balance. Each component complements the others beautifully, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and wholesome. The key players are the fresh baby kale, Parmesan cheese, and bright lemons, which work in harmony to elevate the flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 8 oz dry macaroni (preferably Fiber Gourmet Light Elbows): This pasta serves as the hearty base of the dish, providing a comforting texture that pairs fantastically with the greens and sauce.
• 1 tsp salt for pasta cooking water: Salting the water enhances the pasta’s flavor, making it a crucial step in the cooking process.
• 5 oz Baby Kale: This leafy green is tender and packed with nutrients, bringing a fresh, earthy taste to the dish.
• 1 tsp minced garlic: Fresh garlic adds a fragrant aroma and depth of flavor that beautifully compliments the other ingredients.
• 2 T lemon zest: This brightens the dish, lending a refreshing citrus note that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
• 1 T lemon juice: A splash of acidity enhances all the flavors and balances the creaminess of the Parmesan.
• 2 T olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds flavor and helps to bring everything together.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving: This cheese is the creamy, salty star of the dish, elevating the overall taste.

Putting Together Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Greens

Let’s dive into the cooking process! Making Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Greens is straightforward and enjoyable. You’ll find that the steps come together seamlessly, creating a delightful dish in no time. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start by cooking the macaroni in a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil and follow the cooking time suggested on the package until the pasta is barely al dente. If you’re using Fiber Gourmet Light Elbows, expect about 15 minutes for them to reach that perfect texture. This is the first step toward building a delicious base for your dish.
2. Before draining the pasta, reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water. This starchy water will be a secret weapon in making your dish creamy and cohesive.
3. While the pasta is cooking, zest your lemon and squeeze the juice into a small bowl. If you’re using fresh garlic, finely chop it now. The goal is to have everything ready for a quick assembly.
4. If you’re using the baby kale, wash it in a salad spinner if needed. Spin until dry. If you have larger greens, slice them crosswise into 1-inch wide ribbons, discarding any tough stems. Baby greens don’t need slicing; they’re tender as is!
5. In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the minced garlic and lemon zest. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant. You want to see the garlic just turning golden, which adds a beautiful depth of flavor.
6. Now add the prepared baby kale to the pan. Sauté until it’s wilted; this will take about 5 minutes for larger greens or 2 to 3 minutes for baby greens. It should look vibrant and tender, with a lovely sheen from the oil.
7. As soon as your pasta is al dente, drain it well. Add it directly to the frying pan with the greens, along with the reserved cooking water and the lemon juice. Toss everything together to combine. This step brings all the flavors together beautifully, creating a comforting dish.
8. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This adds creaminess and tang, making each bite irresistible. If you find the pasta a little too dry, feel free to add more of that reserved pasta water until you achieve the perfect consistency.
9. Serve hot, with extra Parmesan cheese on the table for those who want to sprinkle more on top. Enjoy the warmth and richness of this dish!

Helpful Notes about Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Greens

If you’ve made it this far, you’re ready to master Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Greens. Here are some helpful notes to keep in mind as you prepare this delicious dish:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This pasta dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
• Freezing: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the pasta without the greens. Just thaw and reheat, adding fresh greens at the time of cooking.
• Pairing: This pasta pairs wonderfully with a light salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Adjusting Flavor: Feel free to add more lemon juice or zest to enhance the citrus flavor. Tailor the dish to your liking!
• Garnishing: Consider adding toasted pine nuts or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added texture and flavor.

Accompaniments for Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Greens

When it comes to serving Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Greens, consider these delightful accompaniments:

• Garlic Bread: A slice of warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: Serve it alongside a refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette to contrast the richness of the pasta.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables can add a beautiful, vibrant touch to your meal.
• Wine Pairing: While I won’t mention any specific types, a light, crisp drink can complement the flavors nicely.
• Occasions: This dish is ideal for casual weeknight dinners, gatherings with friends, or even as a light meal during warmer months.
• Fresh Herbs: Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Greens is a delightful dish that combines fresh ingredients and bright flavors. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a quick, satisfying meal that’s still healthy. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite in your home as it has in mine. Enjoy every bite of this creamy, zesty pasta!

Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Greens

The ultimate comfort food, Lemon Parmesan Pasta with Greens combines creamy Parmesan cheese with fresh greens and a zesty lemon kick. It's a quick, easy weeknight dinner that will satisfy your cravings and impress your family. Make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Dinner, Pasta

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• Grater
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Wooden Spoon
• Skillet
• Frying Pan

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz dry macaroni preferably Fiber Gourmet Light Elbows
• 1 tsp salt for pasta cooking water
• 5 oz Baby Kale see notes
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 2 T lemon zest or more
• 1 T lemon juice or more
• 2 T olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving

Instructions

 

• Cook Macaroni in a large pot of salted water until barely al dente, follow cooking time on the package of pasta. If you're using Fiber Gourmet Light Elbows for the pasta that might take as long as 15 minutes before reaching al dente.
• Reserve 1/4 cup cooking water before draining.
• While pasta cooks, zest the lemon and squeeze the juice and finely chop the garlic if using fresh garlic.
• Wash greens in a salad spinner if needed and spin dry. If using larger greens, slice crosswise into 1 inch wide ribbons, discarding stems.  (Baby greens don’t need to be sliced.)
• Heat olive oil in large frying pan, add garlic and lemon zest and saute 1 minute.
• Add greens and saute until wilted, about 5 minutes for larger greens or 2-3 minutes for baby greens.
• As soon as pasta is al dente, save 1/4 cup cooking water and then drain the pasta well and add to greens/garlic/lemon mixture, with lemon juice and reserved pasta cooking water (as needed).
• Stir in Parmesan cheese and serve hot, with additional cheese to be added at the table if desired.

Notes

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This pasta dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
• Freezing: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the pasta without the greens. Just thaw and reheat, adding fresh greens at the time of cooking.
• Pairing: This pasta pairs wonderfully with a light salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Adjusting Flavor: Feel free to add more lemon juice or zest to enhance the citrus flavor. Tailor the dish to your liking!
• Garnishing: Consider adding toasted pine nuts or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added texture and flavor.

Keyword Healthy Pasta Dish, Lemon Pasta Recipe, Parmesan Pasta, Quick Dinner Recipe

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Meet Eva Sterling

I have a restless palate and I love that our blog covers such a wide range of food. I am always excited to cook something we haven’t tried before. I jump into every cooking session with enthusiasm, ready to chop, sauté, bake, or grill. I love the collaborative energy of our kitchen we all learn from each other, and that makes every dish we publish better.