When you think of comfort food, imagine a steaming plate of One Pan Spaghetti with Chard. The aroma wafts through the air, enticing you to dig in with its rich, savory scents and delightful textures. Picture twirling your fork around perfectly cooked spaghetti intertwined with tender chard, all brought together in one harmonious dish that feels like a warm hug from grandma.
This dish isn’t just for those cozy nights at home; it’s perfect for impressing friends at dinner parties or whipping up on busy weeknights when you crave something delicious without the hassle. I recall the first time I made this recipe—a delightful chaos ensued as my friends gathered around the kitchen, eagerly anticipating the feast ahead. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! For more inspiration, check out this delicious lunch recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One Pan Spaghetti with Chard is a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The combination of flavors creates a mouthwatering experience everyone will love
- Its vibrant colors make for an eye-catching dish that’s sure to impress at any gathering
- Enjoy the versatility as you can easily customize it with seasonal veggies or proteins of your choice
Friends still rave about how tasty it was when I surprised them by making this dish during our last get-together.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Spaghetti: Use your favorite brand; whole wheat adds an earthy flavor while traditional spaghetti remains classic and comforting.
- Swiss Chard: Choose fresh, vibrant greens; they add a slightly earthy note and beautiful color to your dish.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves are best; minced garlic brings an aromatic punch that enhances all flavors.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and depth; don’t skimp on this!
- Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness; it adds moisture and flavor to cook the pasta.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese not only tops off the dish beautifully but also brings out savory umami notes.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering the other flavors.
- Lemon Zest: Brightens up the entire dish; fresh zest brings a refreshing zing that complements everything perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by washing and chopping your chard into bite-sized pieces. Mince several garlic cloves until fragrant. Measure out your spaghetti and broth so everything is ready when you need it.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes—watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
Add Broth and Spaghetti: Pour in vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Toss in your spaghetti and stir occasionally until al dente—about 8-10 minutes should do it.
Incorporate Chard and Seasonings: Mix in chopped Swiss chard along with red pepper flakes and lemon zest. Stir well until chard wilts down beautifully—this should take just a few minutes.
Finish with Parmesan: Once everything is cooked, remove from heat and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese generously on top. Stir gently to combine while allowing it all to melt together into creamy goodness.
Serve and Enjoy!: Plate up your One Pan Spaghetti with Chard while it’s still warm, garnishing with extra cheese if desired. Sit back, relax, and enjoy every flavorful bite!
With these steps, you’ll create a mouthwatering meal that’s not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor!
You Must Know
- One Pan Spaghetti with Chard is a game-changer for busy weeknights
- The one-pan method means less cleanup, and the chard adds a delightful texture and nutrition boost
- Trust me, your taste buds will thank you while your kitchen stays blissfully tidy
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing garlic and onions until fragrant, then add chard and spaghetti in one swoop. This ensures everything cooks evenly, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chard for spinach or kale, or add red pepper flakes for a kick. Personalizing the dish makes it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to revive its original texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh chard for maximum flavor and nutrition; wilted greens can ruin your dish
- Ensure pasta is al dente for the best texture when mixed with other ingredients
- Adding cheese at the end allows it to melt perfectly into the sauce, creating a deliciously creamy finish
I once made One Pan Spaghetti with Chard for a friend who claimed they hated greens. Their surprised face after the first bite was priceless; they couldn’t believe it was so good!
FAQ
Can I use different greens in One Pan Spaghetti with Chard?
Absolutely! Spinach or kale can be great alternatives that work well too.
How long does it take to cook One Pan Spaghetti with Chard?
The whole dish typically takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes! Simply omit cheese or use a plant-based alternative for a delicious vegan meal.
One Pan Spaghetti with Chard
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in a deliciously simple One Pan Spaghetti with Chard that combines tender spaghetti with vibrant chard, aromatic garlic, and a hint of lemon zest. This one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner parties. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this dish delivers a warm hug on your plate that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 cups Swiss chard, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Wash and chop the chard; mince the garlic. Measure out the spaghetti and broth.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook spaghetti: Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally until al dente (8-10 minutes).
- Incorporate chard: Stir in chopped Swiss chard, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest; cook until chard wilts (2-3 minutes).
- Finish with cheese: Remove from heat, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and stir gently to combine.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One-pan cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: - For variety, you can substitute Swiss chard with spinach or kale. - Feel free to adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.