Lumaca Rigata Pasta

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Heat a large pot of salted water to boiling on high. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Halve the baguette. Peel the garlic. Finely chop 1 clove; using the flat side of your knife, smash until it resembles a paste (or use a zester). Roughly chop the remaining clove. Remove and discard the stems of the kale; roughly chop the leaves.

Add the pasta to the pot of boiling water and cook 9 to 11 minutes, or until al dente (still slightly firm to the bite). Turn off the heat. Reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, drain thoroughly and return to the pot.

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While the pasta cooks, line a sheet pan with aluminum foil. Place the halved baguette on the foil, cut side up. To make the garlic oil, in a bowl, combine the garlic paste, half the Italian seasoning, half the cheese, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Evenly top the baguette with the garlic oil. Toast in the oven 6 to 8 minutes, or until the baguette is lightly browned and crispy. Remove from the oven. Loosely cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.

While the baguette toasts, in a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the chopped garlic and capers; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until slightly softened. Add the tomato paste and remaining Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring frequently, 1 to 2 minutes, or until thoroughly combined and fragrant. Add the chopped kale and 1 cup of water (carefully, as the liquid may splatter); season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 5 to 6 minutes, or until the kale is wilted. Turn off the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.

To the pot of cooked pasta, add the cooked kale, cream (shaking the bottle before opening), and half the reserved pasta cooking water; season with salt and pepper. Cook on medium-high, stirring vigorously, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the pasta is coated. (If the sauce seems dry, gradually add the remaining pasta cooking water to achieve your desired consistency.) Turn off the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the finished pasta with the garlic bread on the side. Garnish the pasta with the remaining cheese. Enjoy!