Are you tired of boring, time-consuming meals that leave you exhausted? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner routine with this incredibly easy Swiss Chard Pasta that combines vibrant, nutritious greens with classic Italian comfort food. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that's packed with flavor, nutrients, and pure culinary satisfaction. This recipe is not just a meal—it's a quick escape to the rustic kitchens of Italy, right in your own home!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 200g pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
- 1 bunch Swiss chard, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the Swiss chard, removing any tough stems. Chop the leaves into roughly 1-inch pieces and finely mince the stems.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add chopped Swiss chard stems to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes. Then add Swiss chard leaves, stirring frequently and cooking until leaves are wilted and tender, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Before draining pasta, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water. This starchy water will help create a smooth sauce.
- Drain pasta and immediately transfer to the skillet with Swiss chard. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light, glossy coating.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and gently mix.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your quick and nutritious Swiss chard pasta!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Swiss Chard: Look for bright, crisp leaves without any yellowing or wilting to ensure maximum flavor and nutrition.
- Don't Discard the Stems: The stems add wonderful texture and are packed with nutrients. Just chop them finely and sauté before the leaves.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy liquid is liquid gold for creating a silky, cohesive sauce that helps the ingredients cling together perfectly.
- Timing is Key: Add garlic carefully to prevent burning—30-45 seconds is all you need for that perfect fragrant base.
- Al Dente is Best: Cook your pasta just until it has a slight bite, as it will continue cooking when mixed with the Swiss chard.
- Optional Upgrades: For extra depth, consider adding red pepper flakes, a squeeze of lemon, or toasted pine nuts as a finishing touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg
