If you are craving a vibrant and flavorful dish that effortlessly combines bold flavors with wholesome greens, the Red Pesto Pasta with Chili Kale Recipe is an absolute winner. This recipe masterfully pairs a rich, sun-drenched red pesto with tender kale tossed in a gentle chili kick, creating a satisfying and colorful meal that brightens up any dinner table. Whether you’re making this for a quick weeknight feast or impressing friends at your next gathering, it’s a celebration of simple ingredients elevated by thoughtful preparation and love for great food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear food processor bowl filled with fresh bright green basil leaves on the bottom left, white coarse salt scattered on the right, light beige pine nuts in the lower right, and deep red sun-dried tomatoes placed on top toward the upper right, all sitting on a white marbled surface. In the second part, the same clear bowl shows a thick, crumbly mixture of blended ingredients in a deep reddish-brown color with small visible bits, surrounding the black metal blade inside, all set against the white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of the Red Pesto Pasta with Chili Kale Recipe lies in its straightforward, high-quality ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color, resulting in a dish that feels both comforting and exciting.

Sun dried tomatoes (packed in olive oil, 8oz): These add a deep, tangy-sweet base for the pesto, bursting with umami and richness.
Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the tomato flavor, lending a thicker texture to the pesto sauce.
Parmesan or nutritional yeast (1/2 cup, 45g): Adds a savory, cheesy note that melts beautifully into the sauce.
Garlic cloves (4 total): Two sliced for the pesto and two minced for the kale, delivering a fragrant punch.
Sea salt (1/2 teaspoon plus more to taste): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
Fresh basil (1/2 cup, lightly packed): Brightens the pesto with fresh herbal notes.
Pine nuts (1/3 cup, 45g): Toasty and buttery, bringing delightful texture and nuttiness.
Gluten free pasta (1 pound, 450g): The perfect canvas to soak up that luscious red pesto.
Extra-virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon, 15 ml): Used to gently sauté the kale and garlic, adding smoothness and depth.
Kale (6 cups, tough stems removed and chopped): Provides a hearty, slightly bitter contrast with a lovely bite.
Red chili flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Kicks up the heat for those who love a bit of spice.
Water (2 tablespoons, 30 ml): Helps steam the kale just enough to soften without losing its vibrant color.
Black pepper (to taste): Adds a warm, pungent finish to the sautéed kale.

How to Make Red Pesto Pasta with Chili Kale Recipe

Step 1: Blend the Red Pesto

Start by adding sun dried tomatoes, tomato paste, parmesan (or nutritional yeast), sliced garlic, sea salt, fresh basil, and pine nuts into a food processor. Blend until smooth yet slightly textured — this will create the rich, velvety red pesto that envelopes every pasta strand with intense flavor. If the pesto feels too thick, a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of pasta cooking water can help loosen it up.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the pesto comes together, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your gluten free pasta according to package instructions until al dente. The pasta should have a slight bite to complement the tender kale and thick pesto. Once perfectly cooked, reserve about a half cup of pasta water before draining — this starchy water is pure gold for melding your sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Chili Kale

Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and optional red chili flakes, sautéing just until fragrant. Toss in the chopped kale along with the 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and let the kale steam gently for a few minutes until bright green and tender but still with a bit of bite. Season with black pepper and a pinch of salt to balance flavors.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Pesto, and Kale

Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large mixing bowl and add the red pesto. Stir vigorously, adding reserved pasta water little by little until you achieve a luscious, glossy coating. Finally, fold in the spicy sautéed kale, distributing it evenly throughout the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — this is your moment to make the dish sing.

How to Serve Red Pesto Pasta with Chili Kale Recipe

A white pot filled with twisted spiral pasta cooked with dark green leafy kale, all coated in a light reddish-orange sauce. The pasta spirals are evenly mixed with the kale, showing the rough leaf texture against the smooth pasta. A metal fork and tongs rest inside the pot, partly mixing the contents. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation and add exciting texture contrasts, try sprinkling toasted pine nuts on top for a buttery crunch or scatter fresh basil leaves for a burst of herbal freshness. A light dusting of parmesan or nutritional yeast adds a savory final touch that invites everyone to dig in eagerly.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that balance its richness. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette brings refreshing acidity, while garlic bread (regular or gluten free) offers a delightful way to scoop up any leftover pesto. Roasted vegetables, especially seasonal options like asparagus or bell peppers, also complement the hearty kale and tangy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this vibrant pasta in charming shallow bowls that showcase the colorful red pesto and emerald kale. For a casual get-together, pile it onto rustic wooden boards with small bowls of additional pesto and chili flakes for guests to customize. Turning the leftovers into warm pasta salads or stuffing roasted peppers creates a whole new experience, ensuring this recipe never gets boring.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any of this delicious Red Pesto Pasta with Chili Kale Recipe left over, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to three days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it even more satisfying the next day.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but best reserved for the pasta and pesto separately. Freeze the pesto in small airtight containers or ice cube trays for convenient portions. The cooked pasta with kale can be frozen in meal-sized portions, though kale’s texture may soften upon thawing. Reheat gently to maintain the best flavors.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the pasta gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed to revive the sauciness. Avoid overheating to keep the kale tender and the pesto vibrant. Freshly cracked black pepper on top after warming can revive the dish’s zestiness beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten free?

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with any pasta type you prefer. Just cook it according to the package directions and enjoy the delicious red pesto coating it beautifully.

Is the chili essential in the recipe?

No, the red chili flakes are optional. They add a gentle heat that contrasts nicely with the rich pesto and earthy kale, but you can easily omit them if you prefer a milder dish.

Can I make the pesto ahead of time?

Yes, the red pesto can be made days ahead and stored in the fridge. The flavors actually develop further, making it a great time-saver. Just cover it tightly with a bit of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation.

What can I substitute for pine nuts?

If pine nuts are hard to find or you have allergies, try toasted walnuts or almonds for a similar nutty crunch that complements the pesto beautifully.

Is nutritional yeast a good alternative to parmesan?

Definitely! Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor that suits vegans or those avoiding dairy, while still delivering the umami richness crucial in the red pesto.

Final Thoughts

I’m genuinely excited for you to try this Red Pesto Pasta with Chili Kale Recipe because it has all the elements of a true comfort meal—rich, fresh, spicy, and utterly satisfying. It’s a dish that feels impressive yet comes together with such ease, making it my go-to whenever I want to share something delicious and wholesome. Dive in and enjoy every vibrant bite!

Red Pesto Pasta with Chili Kale Recipe