Pasta with Swiss Chard and Parmesan Cheese

Recipe by The FruitGuys

Looking for an easy way to enjoy leafy greens? This pasta with Swiss chard and Parmesan cheese will hit the spot. The sweet garlic and salty Parmesan complement the earthy flavor of the chard, and penne pasta is a perfect vehicle to deliver that goodness. It’s a comforting vegetarian pasta dish that comes together with just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. 

Whip out this Swiss chard pasta recipe for busy weeknights or to meal prep for office lunches!

Ingredients

• 1 bunch Swiss chard
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 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, plus additional for serving (optional)

Preparation

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Clean Swiss Chard: Meanwhile, cut out center ribs and stems from chard, then thoroughly wash, along with leaves, in several changes of cold water.
3. Prepare Swiss Chard: Cut ribs and stems crosswise into 1/4-inch-thin pieces and coarsely chop leaves.
4. Sauté Aromatics: Sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes (optional) in olive oil over medium heat in a large frying pan.
5. Cook the Chard: Add chard stems and salt, and simmer for 3 minutes. Then, add chard leaves and simmer, partially covered, until chard stems are tender, about 5 minutes.
6. Cook Pasta: Boil pasta until tender, drain pasta in a colander, and reserve 1/2 cup pasta-cooking water.
7. Combine and Toss: 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.
8. Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!

Serves 4. Prep time, 15 minutes; cook time, 20 minutes

Cook’s Note

• For the best flavor, use fresh Swiss chard with crisp stems and vibrant green leaves. Rainbow Swiss chard works just as well as the traditional green and adds beautiful color to the finished dish.
• Be careful not to overcook the leaves; they should be tender but not mushy. 
• If you want to add even more texture and flavor to this recipe, try sprinkling the noodles with toasted pine nuts, toasted walnuts, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.

FAQs

1. What pasta works best with Swiss chard?

Penne works well because it holds the Parmesan-coated greens, but rigatoni, fusilli, orecchiette, or farfalle are also excellent choices. Really, you can’t go wrong! 

2. Can I make this pasta with other leafy greens?

Yes. If Swiss chard isn’t available, you can substitute kale or collard greens. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly. The sturdier the green, the more time it needs to cook.

3. How do I keep Parmesan cheese from clumping?

Don’t add all of the cheese at once. Sprinkle a portion evenly over the top of the pasta and mix in a little at a time to prevent clumps.