Spicy Garlic Pasta with Rainbow Chard and Kale

Elevate your pasta dish with a luxurious garlic and herb oil that enhances the flavors of the vibrant greens.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti or your choice)
• 1 bunch of rainbow chard, washed, stems removed, and leaves chopped
• 2 cups kale, stems removed and torn into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil), chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Prepare Garlic Herb Oil: In a small saucepan over low heat, add the olive oil, butter, and minced garlic. Allow the garlic to infuse the oil gently, cooking it for about 3-4 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden (be careful not to burn it). Stir in the dried oregano or Italian seasoning and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

3. Sauté Greens: In a large pan over medium heat, add the rainbow chard and kale. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, until the greens are wilted and tender. Season with a little more salt and black pepper if desired.

4. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the greens. Pour the garlic herb oil over the pasta, tossing everything together to coat well. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a luscious sauce that envelops the pasta.

5. Serve: Plate the pasta and finish with freshly chopped herbs, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), and a light drizzle of any remaining garlic herb oil from the pan.

Flavor Profile

The garlic herb oil adds a rich, savory quality to the dish, making every twirl of pasta utterly delightful. The buttery notes pair beautifully with the earthy flavor of the greens, while the red pepper flakes provide just the right amount of heat to balance everything.

Enjoy your culinary adventure! If you have any other changes or questions, let me know!