Ziti with Chard
Indulge in the comforting, earthy flavors of Ziti with Chard—a simple yet sophisticated pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. This recipe combines tender ziti pasta with vibrant Swiss chard, enhanced by a creamy sauce made with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a touch of lemon zest for brightness. A hint of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, while heavy cream and broth create a luscious, velvety texture. Quick to prepare in just 40 minutes, this dish balances hearty and healthy with perfectly wilted chard and a rich, satisfying finish. Serve it as a standalone meal or pair it with crusty bread for a complete feast! Keywords: Ziti with Chard, Swiss chard pasta recipe, creamy ziti, easy pasta dinner, vegetarian-friendly pasta.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 bunch Swiss chard
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 0.5 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.75 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- water for boiling
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, rinse the Swiss chard thoroughly. Separate the stems from the leaves. Chop the stems into small pieces and roughly chop the leaves. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped chard stems and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet along with the red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant.
Add the chopped chard leaves to the skillet, along with the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes until the chard leaves have wilted and the liquid has mostly evaporated.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
Add the cooked ziti to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the mixture is too thick, add small amounts of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
375 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 22.3 g | 29% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.1 g | 50% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 46 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 898 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30.3 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.1 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.8 g | ||
| Protein | 12.8 g | 26% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 214 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 1.8 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 340 mg | 7% | |
*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.
