Whole Wheat Penne with Sausage Chard and Artichoke Hearts

Elevate your pasta night with this hearty and flavor-packed Whole Wheat Penne with Sausage, Chard, and Artichoke Hearts. This wholesome recipe combines the nutty goodness of whole wheat pasta with the savory richness of Italian sausage, vibrant Swiss chard, and tangy artichoke hearts. A quick simmer in garlic, broth, and a hint of red pepper flakes creates a sauce that perfectly binds the dish together, while a sprinkle of Parmesan adds a creamy, salty finish. Ready in just 40 minutes, this nutrient-rich meal is an ideal balance of comfort and nutrition. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s satisfying, easy to make, and sure to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces mild or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups Swiss chard, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 1.5 cups artichoke hearts, quartered (canned or frozen, thawed if frozen)
• 0.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 5

Add the chopped Swiss chard and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are wilted.

Step 6

Stir in the artichoke hearts, chicken or vegetable broth, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 7

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 8

Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If the mixture seems too dry, stir in some of the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.

Step 9

Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and toss again to combine.

Step 10

Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1396.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2593.7

Total Fat 105.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 33.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 198.8mg	0%
Sodium 6805.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 309.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 48.7g	0%
Total Sugars 20.2g
Protein 109.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 898.9mg	0%
Iron 24.0mg	0%
Potassium 3635.3mg	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: 36.2%

Protein: 16.7%

Carbs: 47.1%