Lemony Kale Pasta

For the dressing:
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1/2 t kosher salt
1/2 c finely grated Parmesan cheese
5 T extra virgin olive oil
juice of 2 lemons
1/4 to 1/2 t red pepper flakes
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the pasta:
1 lb. whole grain pasta (I used a 14.5 oz. box of Barilla whole wheat penne)
1 large bunch of kale, stems removed
lemon slices for garnish
additional Parmesan, for serving (not in nutritional count)

Bring large pot of water for pasta. Meanwhile, make the dressing. Mince the garlic cloves. Sprinkle the minced garlic with the salt and smash into a paste with a fork or the side of a chef's knife. Transfer the garlic to a small bowl. Add in the Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, red pepper flakes and black pepper. Whisk until combined.

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. chope the kale into 1/2 in. ribbons. Add the kale to a large bowl and toss with the dressing to coat well. When the pasta is finished, drain well and let cool a minute or two. Toss the pasta with the kale and dressing until well coated. Served with sliced lemon and additional Parmesan as desired.

Serving Size: Approximately 8 - 1 1/2 c servings

Number of Servings: 8

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user AWOLF24.