Walnut Kale Bucatini: A Delicious and Healthy Pasta Recipe

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet: the weeknight dinner champion you’ve been searching for! Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts nestled in a luscious, savory sauce brimming with earthy mushrooms. This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a culinary hug in a pan, ready in under 30 minutes.

While the exact origins of combining chicken and mushrooms in a creamy sauce are somewhat shrouded in culinary history, the concept itself speaks to a timeless appreciation for simple, wholesome ingredients. Across many cultures, mushrooms have long been prized for their umami-rich flavor, and pairing them with poultry is a natural, comforting combination. Think of classic French sauces or hearty Italian stews – the essence is the same: deliciousness born from simplicity.

So, why is this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet destined to become a family favorite? It’s the perfect trifecta of flavor, texture, and convenience. The creamy sauce is rich and decadent without being heavy, coating the chicken and mushrooms in a velvety embrace. The tender chicken provides a satisfying protein, while the earthy mushrooms add a delightful chewiness. But perhaps the biggest draw is its ease of preparation. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this recipe is designed for busy weeknights, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. Get ready to experience a dish that’s both comforting and impressive – your taste buds will thank you!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Bucatini:
• 1 pound bucatini pasta
• 6 quarts water
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
• For the Walnut Pesto:
• 4 cups packed kale leaves, stems removed and roughly chopped
• 1 cup walnuts, toasted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
• ¼ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• For the Topping (Optional):
• ¼ cup toasted walnut pieces, roughly chopped
• Lemon zest from ½ lemon
• Extra Parmesan cheese, shaved

Preparing the Walnut Pesto

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of this dish: the walnut pesto. This is where the magic happens, and trust me, you’ll want to make extra because it’s delicious on everything!

1. Toast the Walnuts: First things first, we need to toast those walnuts. This step is crucial because it brings out their nutty flavor and adds a wonderful depth to the pesto. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they’re fragrant and lightly browned. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly. Alternatively, you can toast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. Let them cool slightly before using.
2. Prep the Kale: While the walnuts are cooling (or toasting, depending on your method), prepare the kale. Remove the tough stems and roughly chop the leaves. Don’t worry about being too precise; the food processor will take care of the rest. Make sure you wash the kale thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
3. Combine Ingredients in a Food Processor: Now, it’s time to assemble the pesto. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the toasted walnuts, chopped kale, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse a few times to coarsely chop the ingredients.
4. Emulsify with Olive Oil and Lemon Juice: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto comes together. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. Add the lemon juice and pulse again to combine. The lemon juice brightens the pesto and balances the richness of the walnuts and cheese.
5. Season to Perfection: Taste the pesto and season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Remember, salt is your friend! It really brings out the flavors. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. You might need a little more lemon juice or Parmesan cheese, depending on your preference.
6. Adjust Consistency (If Needed): If the pesto is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of olive oil or water to thin it out. You want it to be a smooth, creamy consistency that will coat the bucatini beautifully.

Cooking the Bucatini

While the pesto is resting (or you’re sneaking spoonfuls of it!), let’s get the bucatini cooking. This is a simple step, but it’s important to get it right for the best texture.

1. Bring Water to a Rolling Boil: Fill a large pot with 6 quarts of water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. This is important because you want the pasta to cook evenly and not stick together.
2. Salt the Water Generously: Once the water is boiling, add 2 tablespoons of kosher salt. Don’t be shy with the salt! It seasons the pasta from the inside out and enhances its flavor. The water should taste like the sea.
3. Add the Bucatini: Add the bucatini to the boiling water and stir gently to prevent it from sticking together.
4. Cook Until Al Dente: Cook the bucatini according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until it’s al dente. This means that the pasta should be firm to the bite, not mushy. It should have a slight resistance when you bite into it.
5. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold! It will help to create a creamy sauce and bind the pesto to the bucatini.
6. Drain the Pasta: Drain the bucatini in a colander. Don’t rinse it! We want to keep that starchy goodness.

Combining the Pesto and Bucatini

Now for the grand finale! This is where we bring everything together and create a dish that’s bursting with flavor.

1. Return Pasta to the Pot: Return the drained bucatini to the pot you cooked it in.
2. Add the Walnut Pesto: Add the walnut pesto to the bucatini and toss gently to coat. Start with about ¾ of the pesto and add more as needed. You want the pasta to be well-coated but not swimming in pesto.
3. Add Pasta Water (If Needed): If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. The pasta water will help to emulsify the sauce and create a creamy texture.
4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might need a little more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese.
5. Serve Immediately: Serve the Walnut Kale Bucatini immediately. Garnish with toasted walnut pieces, lemon zest, and shaved Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Walnut Kale Bucatini is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to take it to the next level:

• Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage would be a great addition to this dish.
• Roast Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or butternut squash would complement the flavors of the pesto.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto for a little heat.
• Make it Vegan: Substitute nutritional yeast for the Parmesan cheese to make this dish vegan.
• Use Different Greens: Try using spinach, arugula, or a combination of greens in the pesto.
• Add Some Crunch: Toasted breadcrumbs would add a nice textural contrast.

Enjoy! This Walnut Kale Bucatini is a delicious and healthy meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Walnut Kale Bucatini isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a vibrant, flavorful experience that will redefine your weeknight dinners. The earthy kale, the crunchy walnuts, and the perfectly al dente bucatini come together in a symphony of textures and tastes that’s both satisfying and surprisingly healthy. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their pasta game.

Think of it: the slight bitterness of the kale, mellowed by the toasted walnuts, clinging to each strand of bucatini. The garlic and red pepper flakes add a subtle kick, while the Parmesan cheese provides a salty, umami-rich finish. It’s a dish that’s complex enough to impress, yet simple enough to whip up in under 30 minutes. What’s not to love?

But the beauty of this recipe lies not only in its deliciousness but also in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your own preferences. For a richer flavor, try adding a dollop of ricotta cheese on top before serving. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs will add an extra layer of crunch.

For serving suggestions, this Walnut Kale Bucatini makes a fantastic main course, especially when paired with a simple side salad. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette would perfectly complement the richness of the pasta. Alternatively, you could serve it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. It’s also a great option for a vegetarian potluck or a quick and easy lunch.

If you’re looking to add some protein, consider incorporating grilled chicken or shrimp into the dish. For a vegan option, you can easily substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and use a plant-based butter alternative. You can also add other vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers to customize the recipe to your liking.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own! The key is to have fun and experiment with different flavors and textures until you find the perfect combination.

I’m confident that you’ll love this Walnut Kale Bucatini as much as I do. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, and it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get cooking!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think and any variations you might have tried. Did you add any extra ingredients? Did you make any substitutions? Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to improve my recipes and create even more delicious content for you.

Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear from you! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. Enjoy your Walnut Kale Bucatini!