Rigatoni with Kale Pesto & Balsamic Tomatoes

Well hello there, loooong time no see right?! I don’t even have an excuse this time, I just fell off…it happens. Happy New Year, btw 😉 This post is a bit random. One of my goals this year is to cook more and for the past 2 years I’ve been paying for eMeals service, but could probably count how many times I’ve used actually used them for dinners! That all changed yesterday when I made this recipe. Disclaimer: I didn’t intend on writing this blog so excuse my iPhone pics. I promise next time will be better 😉

Ingredients 

(Pasta)

1/2 Cup Olive Oil

16oz Bag Chopped Fresh Kale

1/4 Cup Pine Nuts 

2 Cloves Garlic

1oz Pack of Fresh Basil

1/2 Cup Grated or Shredded Parmesan Cheese

1 Tbsp Lemon Juice

1 Tbsp Grated Lemon Rind (optional)

Salt & Pepper to taste

16oz Pack of Whole Wheat Rigatoni (I couldn’t find any so I went with Rotini instead)

(Tomatoes)

9 Plum Tomatoes (cut in half lengthwise)

3 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

2 Tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese

Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions

(Pasta)

* Prepare rigatoni according to package; drain and return to pot

* Heat 1tbsp oil in pan; add kale and cook until soft (about 3 minutes)

* Place pine nuts and garlic in food processor; pulse until minced

* Add kale, basil, parm cheese, remaining olive oil, lemon juice, lemon rind, salt and pepper; process until smooth. (I added a bit of water to get the right consistency)

* Add pesto to pasta and cook over med heat until warmed thoroughly (about 2 minutes)

(Tomatoes)

* Preheat oven to 425F

* Place tomatoes, cut sides up on greased rimmed backing sheet

* Sprinkle with salt and pepper

* Bake 25 minutes or until soft

* Drizzle with vinegar and oil; sprinkle with parm cheese

*Serve and enjoy!

I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised with this recipe. I really loved the flavor of the pasta! My picky husband even liked it too…well the pasta at least, he’s not a big fan of tomatoes. Now I wish I could say that my son was on board but he wouldn’t even taste it. I swear that child refuses to eat 🙁 Anyway, I highly recommend trying this out if you’re looking for something new! If you do, please let me know what you think!

If you’re interested in trying out eMeals, check it out & get 15% off here – http://bit.ly/1uGIM8o.

Until next time…whenever that may be! 

XOXO,