Background and History:
Pasta with Swiss chard is a traditional Italian dish that celebrates the vibrant and hearty flavors of this leafy green vegetable. Swiss chard, known for its colorful stalks and robust, earthy taste, is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. This dish combines the wholesome goodness of Swiss chard with pasta to create a satisfying, healthy, and visually appealing meal.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (e.g., spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 1 bunch of Swiss chard, stems and leaves separated and chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve a cup of pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped Swiss chard stems to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Incorporate the Swiss chard leaves and cook, stirring frequently, until they wilt and become tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to help steam the chard.
- Stir in the lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the Swiss chard mixture. Gently combine everything, adding more pasta cooking water if it seems too dry.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and additional red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Nutrition Facts:
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 290 per serving
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 4mg
- Sodium: 238mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 9g
Notes:
- Swiss chard comes in various colors, including red, pink, yellow, and white. Feel free to use any variety to add a splash of color to your dish.
- If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Adjust the level of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- This dish is versatile; you can add ingredients like pine nuts, raisins, or cooked chicken for extra flavor and texture.
Allergy Warning:
Please be aware that this recipe contains gluten (pasta) and dairy (Parmesan cheese). If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, choose appropriate substitutes or avoid the dish accordingly.
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