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    Home » Pasta » Spaghetti with Cavolo Nero Pesto and Burrata

    Spaghetti with Cavolo Nero Pesto and Burrata

    Published: Mar 24, 2019 · Modified: May 6, 2021 by Jessica Montanelli · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Total time to make this recipe: 15 minutes
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    overhead shot with spaghetti with cavolo nero pesto and burrata

    A dark green flavorful pesto made with Cavolo Nero, or Tuscan Kale, a winter super food with many health benefits which is very much used in Tuscan cuisine. A soft and creamy Burrata on top will make this pasta unforgettably delicious.

    Do you know the saying "You don't know what you have until you lose it"? It applies to so many things in my life, especially after I moved from Italy to the Netherlands.

    I never appreciated Italy when I was living there. All the negative things that were happening in my life, I was blaming them on my Country. Close minded, stuck in the past and unfair Italy. And in all this negativity, I never paid attention to the good things of this Country: the beautiful landscapes and history in every city, the delicious food and the most flavorful produce, the art, the music, the markets, the aperitif, the community. You don't know what you have until you lose it.

    overhead shop of a spaghetti plate with kale pesto and burrata

    Different Country, different ingredients

    I started food blogging in Italy, in 2013, but soon after I started, I moved to the Netherlands with my boyfriend. Before moving, I remember my only worry was that I wouldn't be able to see the stars anymore because of the fame of Holland of being always cloudy and cold. What I didn't know is that I would be able to still see the stars (sometimes), but I wouldn't be able to find artichokes, San Marzano tomatoes, Porcini mushrooms, Cavolo Nero, and many more Italian ingredients I love. Who would have thought?

    The funny thing about the Netherlands is that it evolves, it follows the trends. One day you can suddenly find ingredients at the supermarket that you've never seen before. This year it was Cavolo Nero.

    I've been searching for Cavolo Nero, an essential ingredient in Tuscan cooking, for years. Always looking in every market stall and supermarkets. Last year I even tried to grow it myself in my terrace, but we only got a couple of leaves.

    Then, a couple of months ago I see it. There, in the produce isle of my usual supermarket. A big bunch of Cavolo Nero leaves, beautiful dark green long bubbly leaves. I was happy.

    spoon picking cavolo nero pesto from a jar

    What is Cavolo Nero

    Cavolo Nero literally means Black Cabbage. This name is because of its dark green leaves, that once cooked become almost black in color. It's also known as Dinosaur Kale, because of its long and sturdy leaves.

    It's part of the Brassica family and it's considered a winter superfood, because of its high content of Iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Omega-3 and Calcium. Some studies even say that it can prevent some types of cancer. Read more about why Tuscan Kale is good for you.

    cavolo nero tuscan kale leaves raw

    What is Burrata

    Burrata is originally from the south of Italy, but it's very common all throughout the Country and worldwide. It is part of the Mozzarella family, made with the same ingredients and process as Mozzarella, until the final step. Instead of making a cheese ball, it's hollowed and made into a "bag", then filled with a mixture of shredded Mozzarella cheese with cream, called Stracciatella.

    When you cut open the Burrata, a flow of creamy deliciousness will pour onto the plate. The flavor is mild, almost sweet, so it's usually accompanied with charcuterie and cold meats or salads.

    burrata mozzarella in a bowl next to a jar of cavolo nero pesto

    Pesto is originally from Liguria and is made with Basil leaves and pine nuts. You can also check the recipe for the original Basil Pesto. During the years people experimented a variety of different pesto, using the same technique and basic ingredient as the original one (oil, garlic, cheese and nuts) and changing the green element. Some variants include Arugula Pesto, Spinach Pesto or Tarragon Pesto.

    The Recipe

    overhead shot with spaghetti with cavolo nero pesto and burrata

    Cavolo Nero Pesto with Burrata

    This easy and quick recipe is incredibly delicious and full of vitamins and minerals thanks to the superfood Cavolo Nero, or Tuscan Black Kale. A perfect weekday meal!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Author: Jessica Montanelli

    Ingredients

    • 6 leaves Cavolo Nero
    • ½ clove Garlic
    • ⅛ cup Almonds
    • 2 tablespoon Parmigiano cheese, grated
    • 1 Burrata Mozzarella
    • Salt
    • EV Olive Oil
    • 12 oz Spaghetti pasta

    Instructions

    • Bring to boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti for the amount of time indicated in the box.
    • Wash and pat dry the kale leaves, then with a knife cut out the central stem.
    • Roughly chop the leaves and toss them in a food processor with the almonds, garlic, Parmgiano cheese and salt.
    • Blend for a few seconds, then slowly start adding the olive oil, a little bit at a time.
    • Keep blending and adding oil until the pesto becomes creamy.
    • Drain the pasta and toss it again in the pot with the pesto, until it's uniformly coated.
    • Serve the pasta in the plates, then add a couple of tablespoons of Burrata on top.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 436 kcal | Carbohydrates: 66 g | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 11 g | Saturated Fat: 5 g | Cholesterol: 24 mg | Potassium: 302 mg | Vitamin A: 1668 IU

    Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Italian
    Have you tried this recipe?Snap a photo and tag @jess.cookingmydreams or use the hashtag #cookingmydreams!

    If you like this recipe, you can leave a comment and a star rating to support me. ★★★★★
    Thank you so much!

    I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This means that if you click on a product link, I may receive compensation. This compensation comes at no additional cost to you, and as always I only recommend products I trust!

    white plate with spaghetti and tuscan kale pesto with burrata

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    Hi, I'm Jessica! I'm an Italian who moved to the Netherlands with a true passion for food, travel, and everything handmade. I love to experiment, learn new skills, and share my knowledge about everything I do!

    This blog is my perfect escape to search for my path towards happiness. :)

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