Lazy Day Mediterranean Pasta with Garlic Kale Sauce
This pasta is the definition of comfort-meets-healthy. The sauce blends sautéed garlic, olive oil, and tender kale into a silky, slightly creamy base, with optional feta for tang. It’s tossed with pasta and finished with a sprinkle of Mediterranean herbs for a meal that’s ready in under 25 minutes.
⏳ Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Ingredients
350 g spaghetti, linguine, or penne
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 bunch kale, stems removed, leaves roughly chopped
½ cup vegetable broth (or pasta cooking water)
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
Juice of ½ lemon
½ cup crumbled feta or grated Parmesan (optional but recommended)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes, optional for mild heat
ℹ️ Instructions
1. Cook Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions.
Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Make Garlic Kale Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1–2 minutes, do not brown).
Add kale, tossing until wilted, about 3–4 minutes.
Pour in vegetable broth and simmer 3 minutes.
3. Blend or Mash
For a smooth sauce: transfer kale mixture to a blender with ½ cup pasta water, blend until creamy.
For a rustic sauce: mash lightly with a wooden spoon in the pan.
4. Toss with Pasta
Return sauce to skillet (if blended), add pasta, lemon juice, oregano, basil, and feta/Parmesan (if using).
Toss until pasta is coated, adding more pasta water if needed.
5. Serve
Top with extra cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
Notes & Tips
Extra Protein: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp.
Make it Vegan: Skip cheese and add 2 tbsp nutritional yeast.
Lazy Hack: Use pre-washed, chopped kale to save time.
⁉️ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I use spinach instead of kale?
A: Yes — just cook for less time (about 1–2 minutes) since spinach wilts faster.
Q: How do I make it creamier without cheese?
A: Add 2 tbsp tahini or cashew cream when blending.
✅ Nutritional Information
Calories: ~410 kcal
Protein: 11g
Carbs: 60g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: ~220mg