WHOLE-WHEAT TAGLIATELLE WITH CREAMY WHITE-BEAN AND KALE SAUCE

Whole-Wheat Tagliatelle with Creamy White-Bean and Kale Sauce image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup sliced almonds (2 ounces)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 small bunch (8 ounces) curly-leaf kale, stems and ribs removed, torn into bite-size pieces (4 1/2 packed cups)
1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest, plus 2 tablespoons fresh juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
12 ounces Khorasan-wheat tagliatelle, such as Kamut, or other wide whole-grain pasta
1 ounce Parmigiano-Reggiano, finely grated (1 cup)
1/2 cup packed fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread almonds in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and toast until fragrant and golden, 10 to 12 minutes.
Heat oil in a large straight-sided skillet over medium-high. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until light golden, about 1 minute. Add kale and cook, tossing, until bright green, about 1 minute. Scrape mixture into a blender (reserve skillet). Add 1 cup water, beans, and lemon juice to blender; purée until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Season with salt.
Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain.
Pour blended kale sauce back into skillet and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Add pasta and cook, tossing, until coated and sauce has thickened slightly, 1 to 2 minutes more. (If sauce thickens too much, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time.) Season with salt and pepper.
In a bowl, combine cheese, parsley, toasted almonds, and lemon zest. Sprinkle half of cheese mixture over pasta and serve remainder on the side. Drizzle pasta with more oil and serve.