Bonicelli Cooking Club
RecipesCoursesIn-Person ClassesPodcastNewsletterShopAboutContact
Recipes/Kale and Pancetta Pasta
Kale and Pancetta Pasta
AmericanItalian

Kale and Pancetta Pasta

Cherry tomatoes are perfect for a quick tomato sauce. I use a combination of chopped and halved tomatoes for sauciness and texture.

By Chef Laura Bonicelli

pinenutsthyme

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

20 min

Total Time

35 min

Servings

4 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 ounceswhole-wheat pasta -- such as rotini or penne
  • 4 ouncespancetta
  • 1 1/2 cupscherry tomatoes (chopped, reserve juices)
  • 1 1/2 cupscherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 4 cupsstemmed and chopped kale leaves
  • 2 clovesgarlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoonminced thyme leaves
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 1/4 cupgrated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoonstoasted pinenuts

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving (serves 4 servings)

Calories391
Total Fat18g
Cholesterol24mg
Sodium296mg
Total Carbohydrates42g
Dietary Fiber5g
Sugars4g
Protein15g

* Nutritional information is estimated and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook the pasta according to package directions: drain, reserve 1 1/2 cups of the cooking liquid.

  2. 2

    Cook the pancetta in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp, about . Remove the pancetta from the pan with a slotted spoon.

  3. 3

    Add the chopped tomatoes and juices to the pancetta drippings and cook, occasionally stirring, until softened, about .

  4. 4

    Add the halved tomatoes, kale, garlic, thyme; cook for —season with salt and pepper. Add 1 cup of the reserved pasta liquid; cover and cook until the kale wilts, about .

  5. 5

    Stir in the pasta and pancetta. Add more pasta water by the tablespoon to thin the sauce, if necessary. Stir until heated.

  6. 6

    Divide the pasta among four bowls and top with cheese and pine nuts.

Bonicelli Cooking Club

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Explore

RecipesCoursesIn-Person ClassesPodcastNewsletterShop

Connect

About Chef LauraContact

Legal

Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceCookie PolicyRefund Policy

Newsletter

Recipes, tips & class updates in your inbox.

Visit Newsletter

© 2026 Bonicelli Cooking Club. All rights reserved.