Simple Light Swiss Chard and Spaghetti
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this "Simple Light Swiss Chard and Spaghetti" recipe—a perfect balance of wholesome greens and comforting pasta. Featuring tender spaghetti tossed with vibrant Swiss chard, garlic-infused olive oil, a hint of red pepper heat, and a zesty splash of lemon juice, this dish is as nutritious as it is flavorful. Finished with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a touch of reserved pasta water to create a light, silky sauce, this recipe is quick to make in just 30 minutes and ideal for busy nights. Whether you're seeking a vegetarian main or a side to complement your favorite protein, this Mediterranean-inspired pasta will impress with its simplicity and fresh, bold flavors.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 bunch Swiss chard
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 whole garlic cloves
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 0.5 cup pasta cooking water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the Swiss chard by washing it thoroughly and removing the stems. Chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces and thinly slice the stems.
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the garlic cloves, sliced thinly, and cook until fragrant and just golden, about 1-2 minutes. Do not burn the garlic.
Stir in the red pepper flakes and the sliced Swiss chard stems. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the stems are tender.
Add the chopped Swiss chard leaves to the skillet and season with salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the leaves are wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
Transfer the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the Swiss chard mixture. Toss well to combine, adding the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time to loosen the sauce as needed.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Toss again until evenly mixed.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1140 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 57.7 g | 74% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.3 g | 76% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 3423 mg | 149% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 118.6 g | 43% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.9 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.5 g | ||
| Protein | 39.9 g | 80% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 592 mg | 46% | |
| Iron | 9.6 mg | 53% | |
| Potassium | 909 mg | 19% | |
*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.
