Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake (1 Hour)

Send it straight to your inbox, and cook it when you're ready!

Print

Print Recipe

This is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the nutritious goodness of kale with the rich, creamy texture of a cheese sauce, all baked together with your favorite pasta.

This dish is perfect for those looking for a satisfying vegetarian meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

It’s great for a family dinner, potluck, or any occasion where you want a warm, baked pasta dish that’s both delicious and wholesome. Ready to dive in?

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 oz pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or farfalle)
  • 1 large bunch of kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: bread crumbs or Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta (15 minutes): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Onion and Kale (10 minutes): In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the chopped kale and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from pot and set aside.
  3. Make Cheese Sauce (10 minutes): In the same pot, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, avoiding lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens. Stir in the cheddar cheese and nutmeg until the cheese melts. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Combine Pasta and Kale (5 minutes): Add the cooked pasta and kale mixture to the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine.
  5. Bake (20-25 minutes): Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. If desired, sprinkle with bread crumbs or Parmesan cheese for a crispy top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
  6. Serve (5 minutes): Let the pasta bake cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For the best results, be sure to cook the kale just until it’s wilted, so it retains some texture. The cheese sauce should be smooth and creamy.

For a crunchy topping, adding bread crumbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a nice contrast to the creamy pasta. This dish is a great way to enjoy a comforting pasta bake with the added health benefits of kale. Serve with your favorite bread and veggies and enjoy your meal!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Pair this with...

Homemade Focaccia Bread

Grab 5 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups warm water, a packet of active dry yeast, 2 tsp sugar, 1/4 cup olive oil, and a tablespoon of salt. Dissolve sugar in warm water, sprinkle in yeast, and wait till it's frothy (5 mins). Mix this with flour, olive oil, and salt in a bowl. Once you've got a dough, let it rest until doubled in size (about 1.5 hours). Transfer it to a baking sheet, poke some dimples in with your fingers, drizzle more olive oil, and sprinkle sea salt and herbs (rosemary's a classic!). Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Roasted Asparagus with Sea Salt

Start by preheating your oven. Take fresh asparagus spears, snap off the tough ends, and lay them out on a baking sheet. A little drizzle of olive oil goes a long way in giving them a lovely coat. Now, for the pièce de résistance, sprinkle some coarse sea salt over the top. It not only elevates the flavor but also gives a delightful crunch. Pop them in the oven and roast until they're tender yet crisp, with hints of golden brown at the tips. The result? A dish that's vibrant in color, rich in flavor, and just a touch fancy.

Baked Tomatoes with Cheese

Start by selecting some plump, ripe tomatoes. Slice off the tops and scoop out a bit of the insides, making a small well in each. Drizzle a little olive oil over the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Place them in a baking dish. Now, choose your favorite cheese – mozzarella, cheddar, feta, or even Parmesan all work wonderfully. Generously top each tomato with your cheese of choice. Pop them into a preheated oven and bake until the tomatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Allow them to cool for a moment before serving and top with fresh herbs if desired.

For Tomorrow's Dinner

Vietnamese Fresh Shrimp Rolls (30 Minutes)

One Pan Drumsticks with Sweets and Apples (35 Minutes)

Lemon, Butter, and Garlic Grilled Chicken (27-31 Minutes)

Honey Lime Grilled Chicken (30 Minutes)

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!