HONEY ROASTED CHERRY TOMATO PASTA WITH KALE AND LEMON SAUCE

As summer unfolds and gardens begin to burst with vibrant produce, there’s no better time to enjoy the flavors of the season than with a dish that highlights fresh, ripened tomatoes. This delightful recipe from the National Honey Board features honey-roasted cherry tomatoes, which pair beautifully with crisp kale and pasta, all tossed in a zesty lemon sauce. This light and refreshing meal is perfect for those balmy summer evenings, and you can elevate it further by adding an option of grilled chicken for an extra boost of protein. Whether you're dining al fresco or gathering around the family table, this dish is sure to capture the essence of summer in every bite.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. - cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup + 2 T - olive oil, divided

2 T - honey

4 tsp. - salt, divided

freshly ground pepper, to taste

1 lb. - spaghetti

2 cloves - garlic, minced

1 bunch - kale, washed and stems removed

zest and juice of 2 lemons

1/2 cup - grated parmesan, + extra for serving

1/4 cup - walnuts, toasted and chopped

salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Toss the tomatoes with 2 T of the olive oil and the honey and sprinkle with 1 tsp. of the salt and freshly ground pepper. Roast for approx. 10 minutes until the tomatoes soften and begin to caramelize.

3. While the tomatoes are cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil with 3 tsp. of salt. Add the spaghetti and cook for approx. 10 minutes to al dente.

4. Remove the tomatoes from the oven and quickly toss with the garlic.

5. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water. Immediately toss the pasta with the rest of the olive oil, kale, lemon juice and zest. Next, add the tomato mixture and the parmesan. Add some of the pasta water as needed to coat the pasta and create a light sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve immediately with the walnuts and additional parmesan. *drop the walnuts if allergic

TIP

You can use spinach instead of kale if you like and sub any pasta shape you like for the spaghetti.

Grill up a few chicken breasts and serve along side!