Pasta Shells with Lamb Sausage and Kale in a Pistachio Kale Pesto Sauce

My husband and I ordered something similar to this at a restaurant recently and were disappointed with it. Pistachio pesto sounded like it would be so good, but the restaurant's pesto was nothing special. I thought that I could make a better version of the entree, and I did (not to toot my own horn or anything).  I added organic kale to the pesto to make it a little more nutritious (and because I had so much of it I didn't want to waste it!). Pistachio's are known as the skinny nut since it is the healthiest of all tree nuts. It is a great source of fiber and potassium, and is very low in calories. This pesto was so yummy, and was a huge hit with my hubby and my little guy. This turned out to be SO much better than the dish we ordered at the restaurant, and a lot more cost effective! This is for little ones 12+ months and Mommies and Daddies of all ages!

Here's what you need: (serves 4 to 6)
Pesto Sauce:

¼ cup chopped kale

2 to 3 tbsp dried basil leaves

1 tbsp dried parsley

½ cup pistachios (remove shells)

1 clove garlic

3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

¼ to 1/3 cup olive oil

ground black pepper

Put all ingredients into food processor and blend until smooth and set aside.

Pasta:

1 box pasta shells

5 links lamb sausage, casings removed (you can use chicken or turkey sausage too)

2 cups chopped organic kale

Cook pasta according to package. While pasta is cooking remove sausage casings and cook meat in a large deep skillet over medium high heat. Cook until browned (about 5 to 8 minutes). Add chopped kale and toss. Cook until kale has wilted. Drain pasta and add it to the kale and sausage. Pour sauce over pasta and toss to coat. Serve and enjoy! Remember to cut your little one's portion into bite size pieces. Your little one's portion should be between 1/2 and 3/4 cups.