Kale pasta with Parmesan and toasted breadcrumbs

Adapted from: Brooklyn Supper, http://brooklynsupper.com/2016/02/lacinato-kale-pasta-with-parmesan-and-breadcrumbs/

Makes: Four servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound small shapes pasta, such as shells, rotini, farfalle, etc.

• 4 tablespoons butter, divided

• 1/2 cup bread crumbs

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest plus 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed juice

• sea salt

• freshly ground pepper

• 1 bunch kale, stems trimmed and rough chopped (lacinato, russian or winterbor varieties can be used)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook to al dente. Reserve pasta water.

2. Meanwhile, heat a wide, deep skillet (big enough to hold the cooked pasta as well) over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter, and when butter has melted and has a nutty fragrance, add breadcrumbs. Toast until golden, about 4 minutes. Remove breadcrumbs to a small bowl and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add kale, plus a pinch each sea salt and pepper, and sauté until kale is wilted and supple, about 5 minutes. Fold in lemon zest and juice, cooked pasta, and Parmesan. Add a few tablespoons of pasta water as needed to thin consistency. Top with toasted breadcrumbs, finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a pinch of pepper, and serve.