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Pasta with Kale and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Feta cheese lends a little pungent punch and complements the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes in this colorful entrée for five or side dish for a crowd.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 5, 1 1/2 cups per serving

Ingredients

1 ounce dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes (about 1/3 cup)
1/2 cup boiling water
16 ounces dried medium whole-grain pasta shells
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 teaspoons minced garlic or 4 medium garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
8 ounces packaged chopped fresh kale
3 ounces crumbled low-fat feta cheese (about 3/4 cup)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Put the tomatoes in a small shallow bowl. Pour in the water. Stir. Set aside.

    Step 2

    Prepare the pasta using the package directions, omitting the salt and oil and cooking until still firm when you bite into it (start tasting 3 minutes before the package says it will be done). Drain well in a colander. Return to the pot. Cover and set aside.

    Step 3

    Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 to 60 seconds, or until the garlic becomes aromatic and begins to brown. Stir in the kale.

    Step 4

    Drain the tomatoes, combining the soaking liquid with enough water to equal 3/4 cup. Pour the liquid into the kale mixture. Chop the tomatoes. Stir into the kale mixture. Increase the heat to medium high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the kale has wilted and is slightly tender. Stir into the pasta. Before serving, sprinkle with the feta.

  2. Cook’s Tip

    Step 5

    Vary the flavor of this dish by replacing the feta cheese with 1/4 cup minced green olives or black olives, such as kalamata or niçoise.

  3. nutrition information

    Step 6

    (Per Serving)

    Step 7

    Calories: 417

    Step 8

    Total Fat: 8.5g

    Step 9

    Saturated: 3.0g

    Step 10

    Trans: 0.0g

    Step 11

    Polyunsaturated: 2.0g

    Step 12

    Monounsaturated: 2.0g

    Step 13

    Cholesterol: 15mg

    Step 14

    Sodium: 266mg

    Step 15

    Carbohydrates: 72g

    Step 16

    Fiber: 8g

    Step 17

    Sugars: 3g

    Step 18

    Protein: 20g

    Step 19

    Dietary Exchanges

    Step 20

    4 Starch

    Step 21

    2 Vegetable

    Step 22

    1/2 Lean Meat

    Step 23

    1/2 Fat

American Heart Association Quick & Easy Meals
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