Creamy Swiss Chard and Pasta
Indulge in the comfort of this Creamy Swiss Chard and Pasta, a decadent yet wholesome dish that brings vibrant greens and rich flavors together in perfect harmony. Tender Swiss chard, with its earthy leaves and crisp stems, is sautéed with fragrant garlic and onions, then simmered in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce infused with a touch of nutmeg and optional heat from red pepper flakes. Al dente pasta soaks up all that velvety goodness, creating a satisfying one-pan meal that's perfect for weeknights but sophisticated enough for entertaining. Ready in under 40 minutes, this recipe is an effortless way to elevate your dinner game while sneaking in nutrient-packed greens. Finish it off with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a gourmet touch that ties every bite together.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (any short variety like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
- 1 bunch Swiss chard (leaves and stems separated, chopped)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 medium yellow onion (finely diced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 0.25 tsp nutmeg (ground)
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Stir in the chopped Swiss chard stems and cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly tender.
Add the Swiss chard leaves to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, heavy cream, and ground nutmeg. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy Swiss chard sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2702 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 178.8 g | 229% | |
| Saturated Fat | 96.2 g | 481% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 430 mg | 144% | |
| Sodium | 7244 mg | 315% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 138.3 g | 50% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.8 g | 46% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.7 g | ||
| Protein | 117.2 g | 234% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2811 mg | 216% | |
| Iron | 7.0 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 1643 mg | 35% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
