NUTTY KALE PESTO PASTA WITH CARAMELIZED ONION

Nutty Kale Pesto Pasta with Caramelized Onion image

My bountiful garden and vegetarian daughter both inspired me to create this nutritious, calcium-rich kale pesto pasta. No one would ever guess that this hearty dish is brimming with produce and is prepared in about 30 minutes. -Cindy Beberman, Orland Park, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Side Dishes

Time 35m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

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Ingredients

1/3 cup hazelnuts, toasted and skins removed
2 cups roughly chopped fresh kale, stems removed
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/4 cup loosely packed basil leaves
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
12 ounces uncooked whole wheat linguine
1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon honey
3 large tomatoes, chopped

Steps:

Pulse hazelnuts in food processor until finely ground. Add kale, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, basil, 1/4 cup olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt; pulse until smooth and creamy, adding oil if pesto seems dry., In a large stockpot, cook linguine according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low; add garlic and honey. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion caramelizes, about 5 minutes more., Drain linguine, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. In a large serving bowl, combine kale pesto, onion mixture, linguine, chopped tomato and remaining salt. Toss until well coated, adding reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency. Top with remaining Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 314 calories, Fat 15g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 224mg sodium, Carbohydrate 42g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 8g protein.