One Pan Spaghetti and Chard

This one-pan spaghetti with Swiss chard transforms humble ingredients into a delicious weeknight meal that's ready in just minutes. The pasta cooks directly with the greens, absorbing all the wonderful flavors while creating its own silky sauce.

I discovered this technique during a particularly hectic week when I needed to use up some wilting chard from my garden. My family was skeptical at first but now requests this regularly as our go-to simple dinner.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Gives this dish its rich foundation and helps carry flavors throughout
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth that infuses the entire dish
• Swiss chard: Offers earthy flavor and vibrant color while adding nutritional value
• Water: Transforms into a flavorful cooking liquid as it absorbs the essence of all ingredients
• Thin spaghetti: Cooks quickly and captures the sauce perfectly look for bronze-die pasta for best texture
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures the pasta is properly seasoned
• Parmesan cheese: Adds the perfect umami finish and creates a silky coating for the pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Chard:

Remove the thick stems from your Swiss chard but save them for another use like stir-fries. Wash the leaves thoroughly but do not dry them completely as that residual moisture helps create steam. Stack the leaves and cut them into 2-inch wide ribbons for easy eating and even cooking.

Create the Aromatic Base:

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet or wide pot with tall sides over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and watch carefully until it begins to sizzle and becomes fragrant about 30 seconds. Be vigilant here as garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter.

Wilt the Greens:

Add your sliced chard to the hot oil and garlic. Use tongs to turn and coat the greens in the aromatic oil. Cook for just one minute until the chard begins to wilt but still maintains some structure and vibrant color. This brief cooking preserves nutrients and texture.

One-Pan Magic:

Pour in the water and immediately add the broken spaghetti pieces and salt. The water will begin to bubble quickly. Bring everything to a full boil then immediately cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium-low. This creates a steamy environment that cooks the pasta perfectly.

Finish and Serve:

After 9 minutes check the pasta for doneness it should be al dente with most of the water absorbed. Remove from heat completely then add the additional olive oil and Parmesan. Stir vigorously to create a light emulsion that coats every strand of spaghetti with flavor.

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My favorite part of this recipe is watching how the pasta transforms the simple ingredients into something that tastes like it took much longer to prepare. My daughter who normally avoids greens will happily devour this entire dish because of how the chard becomes sweet and tender when cooked this way.

Versatile Variations

This dish welcomes endless adaptations based on what you have available. Spinach or kale work beautifully in place of chard though kale may need an extra minute of cooking time. For protein add a can of drained white beans or cooked chicken in the final minutes of cooking. For extra flavor dimension consider adding red pepper flakes sun-dried tomatoes or toasted pine nuts.

Make Ahead Tips

While best enjoyed fresh you can prepare components ahead of time. Wash and slice the chard up to two days in advance storing it in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. The finished dish will keep refrigerated for up to three days though the pasta will absorb more liquid as it sits. Revive leftover portions with a splash of water and a drizzle of fresh olive oil when reheating.

Nutritional Benefits

This simple dish packs impressive nutritional value. Swiss chard provides vitamins K A and C along with minerals like magnesium potassium and iron. The olive oil delivers heart-healthy fats while the small amount of Parmesan adds calcium and protein. Using whole grain pasta would further increase the fiber content making this an exceptionally well-rounded meal.

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This recipe truly transforms simple pantry staples into something special. Perfect for busy days when you want something delicious, quick, and healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other greens instead of Swiss chard?

Yes, you can substitute Swiss chard with spinach, kale, or even beet greens. Adjust the cooking time as needed for tender greens.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta works best as it cooks quickly, but you can adapt with other small or broken pasta types.

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, omit the Parmesan cheese and replace it with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative for a plant-based version.

→ How do I prevent the spaghetti from sticking?

Stir the spaghetti a few times while cooking to keep it from clumping together in the pan.

→ Can I add additional ingredients?

Absolutely! Add a protein like cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas, or boost the flavor with herbs like basil, parsley, or chili flakes.