Pasta with Swiss Chard and Parmesan Cheese

Recipe by The FruitGuys

INGREDIENTS

• One bunch  Swiss chard
• Two tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Two garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon dried hot
• Red-pepper flakes (optional)
• 3/4 pound penne pasta
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (additional for serving optional)

PREPARATION

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
2. Meanwhile, cut out center ribs and stems from chard, then thoroughly wash, along with leaves, in several changes of cold water.
3. Cut ribs and stems crosswise into 1/4-inch-thin pieces and coarsely chop leaves.
4. Sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes (optional) in a tablespoon or so of olive oil over medium heat in a large frying pan.
5. Add chard stems and salt, and simmer for 3 minutes.
6. Add chard leaves and simmer, partially covered, until chard stems are tender about 5 minutes.
7. Cook pasta until al dente, drain pasta in a colander, and reserve 1/2 cup pasta-cooking water.
8. Add pasta to chard mixture with cheese and salt to taste and toss until combined well. Thin with some of the reserved pasta water if necessary.
9. Serve warm.