Fettuccine with Swiss Chard Walnuts and Lemon

Elevate your pasta night with this vibrant and wholesome Fettuccine with Swiss Chard, Walnuts, and Lemon. This recipe combines tender ribbons of al dente fettuccine with the earthy sweetness of sautéed Swiss chard, the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts, and the vibrant brightness of fresh lemon zest and juice. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, while grated Parmesan provides a nutty, creamy finish. Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, this dish is an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for entertaining. Packed with flavor and texture, it’s a delightful way to showcase simple, fresh ingredients. Serve with an extra drizzle of olive oil and Parmesan for a restaurant-quality touch!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz fettuccine
• 1 bunch Swiss chard
• 0.5 cup walnuts
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
• 0.5 cup water from pasta cooking

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, rinse the Swiss chard thoroughly to remove grit, then pat dry. Cut the stems into thin slices and roughly chop the leaves.

Step 3

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 3-4 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced Swiss chard stems and cook for 3 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and chopped Swiss chard leaves to the skillet. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the leaves are wilted.

Step 6

Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7

Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the Swiss chard mixture. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the sauce.

Step 8

Sprinkle the toasted walnuts and grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss lightly to combine.

Step 9

Serve immediately with an extra drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(823.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1509.9

Total Fat 95.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 32.3g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 3437.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 126.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.6g	0%
Total Sugars 8.1g
Protein 47.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 650.7mg	0%
Iron 10.3mg	0%
Potassium 1339.0mg	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: 55.4%

Protein: 12.2%

Carbs: 32.4%