Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Swiss Chard and Pecorino Cheese

Elevate your pasta night with this wholesome and vibrant Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Swiss Chard and Pecorino Cheese. Packed with nutrient-rich Swiss chard, this recipe combines earthy whole wheat spaghetti with aromatic garlic, a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, and a bright pop of citrusy lemon zest and juice. The dish is brought together with a generous sprinkle of grated Pecorino cheese, adding a luscious, salty finish. Perfectly balanced and ready in just 35 minutes, this Mediterranean-inspired pasta is as nutritious as it is delicious. Ideal for a light yet satisfying dinner, serve it as is or pair it with a crisp green salad and a glass of your favorite white wine.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz whole wheat spaghetti
• 1 bunch Swiss chard
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 units garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 0.5 cup Pecorino cheese, grated
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup pasta cooking water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the Swiss chard. Separate the leaves from the stems. Chop the stems into small pieces and slice the leaves into ribbons.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4

Stir in the chopped Swiss chard stems and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the red pepper flakes and sliced Swiss chard leaves. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the leaves are wilted.

Step 5

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta cooking water. Toss to combine and allow the mixture to cook for an additional 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld.

Step 6

Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Pecorino cheese. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 7

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with additional Pecorino cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(898.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1089.9

Total Fat 59.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 52.6mg	0%
Sodium 3423.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 108.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.6g	0%
Total Sugars 6.0g
Protein 38.1g	0%

Vitamin D 13.4IU	0%
Calcium 673.7mg	0%
Iron 8.8mg	0%
Potassium 1379.8mg	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: 47.9%

Protein: 13.6%

Carbs: 38.5%