Butternut Kale Pasta

Ingredients

• 12 ounces short pasta (such as fusilli or penne)
• 3-4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 1 pound butternut quash (peeled and diced to about 3/4 inch cubes (3 cups))
• 1 large red onion (peeled and thinly sliced)
• 1 small bunch kale (washed, large stems removed, and torn into small pieces (6 cups packed kale))
• 5 cloves garlic (sliced)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (sliced (packed in oil is best!))
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (or slivered almonds)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes (for serving)
• fresh herbs (such as basil or parsley, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the pasta to al dente in a pot of salted water. Drain and rinse in cold water. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking.

2. 2

   Prep all the vegetables: peel and dice the butternut squash, tear the kale into small pieces, slice the onion, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.

3. 3

   In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add in the cubed butternut squash and cook for about 10 minutes until soft enough to poke with a fork, stirring occasionally to flip the pieces and brown on multiple sides. Remove the cooked butternut to a bowl.

4. 4

   Add the 1 tablespoon olive oil and increase heat to medium-high. Add the onions and cook, stirring regularly for 4-5 minutes, or until just beginning to go brown on the edges. Add the sliced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

5. 5

   Add the kale and cook until wilted but still vibrant, 3-5 minutes. You can cook it longer if you like it softer, but I like it to have a little bite.

6. 6

   Add in the cooked butternut, sliced sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until everything is hot, stirring frequently.

7. 7

   Toss cooked pasta with vegetables and lemon juice. Give it a taste and add salt if needed. Garnish with grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs for serving. Enjoy immediately, or serve as a chilled pasta salad.