Lunch: Rigatoni with Lemony Kale-and-Pecorino Pesto

Recipe by Chris Cosentino Making pesto with kale instead of basil isn't just healthier, it's unexpectedly delicious. And according to the dish's creator, chef Chris Cosentino, it's a simple way to get kids to eat kale.

This recipe includes fertility superfoods such as:

Kale, Lemon, Nuts

Health and fertility benefits of Rigatoni with Lemony Kale-and-Pecorino Pesto

Kale is an excellent source of calcium, which has an important role in egg maturation and follicle development in the ovaries. Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Nuts are a natural source of Inositol, a derivative of Vitamin B (which is often prescribed in the form of supplements for women with PCOS). Inositol can effectively control the symptoms of PCOS by reducing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity.

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb. Tuscan kale
1 lb. rigatoni
3 clove garlic
1/4 c. pine nuts
2/3 c. extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 oz. Pecorino Toscano cheese
1 tbsp. lemon zest
1 pinch Aleppo pepper
kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper

Instructions

Bring 2 large pots of generously salted water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with ice water. Add the kale to one of the pots and cook for 1 minute, until bright green and just tender. Drain and immediately transfer to the ice water. When cool, drain again. Transfer the kale to a work surface with some water clinging to the leaves and chop.
Meanwhile, add the rigatoni to the other pot of boiling water. Cook until almost al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Transfer the kale to a blender. Add the garlic and pine nuts and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add the oil and process until smooth. Transfer the pesto to a large bowl and stir in the 1/2 cup of Pecorino and the lemon zest. Season to taste with the Aleppo pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Return the pasta to the pot. Add the pesto and cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes, adding some of the pasta water if it seems dry. Spoon the pasta into bowls, top with additional cheese and Aleppo pepper and serve. Looking for more dinner options? Check out our pork chop recipes, chicken recipes, and potato recipes.

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