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.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

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)
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 3-4 minutes).

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the chopped Swiss chard stems and cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly tender.

Step 6

Add the Swiss chard leaves to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 9

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.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 11

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1392.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2702.5

Total Fat 178.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 96.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 430.5mg	0%
Sodium 7244.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 138.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.8g	0%
Total Sugars 10.7g
Protein 117.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2810.8mg	0%
Iron 7.0mg	0%
Potassium 1642.6mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.2%

Protein: 17.8%

Carbs: 21.0%