One Pan Spaghetti with Chard

This quick one-pan spaghetti with Swiss chard transforms simple ingredients into a delicious meal with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something nutritious but don't have the energy for complicated cooking or washing multiple pots and pans.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week when my kitchen was partially under renovation. Despite having limited cooking space, this dish delivered a complete meal that even my vegetable-skeptical teenager requested again the next day.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Provides the perfect base for sautéing and adds a rich finishing touch
• Garlic: Creates an aromatic foundation that complements the greens
• Swiss chard: Delivers earthy flavor and impressive nutrition you can feel good about
• Thin spaghetti: Cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors beautifully
• Parmesan cheese: Adds that umami finish that brings everything together
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps the pasta cook properly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Chard:

Remove the thick stems from the Swiss chard and rinse the leaves thoroughly. Leave them slightly wet as this moisture will help with cooking. Slice the leaves into approximately 2inch ribbons.

Build the Flavor Base:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until it just begins to sizzle and becomes fragrant. This takes about 30 seconds. Be careful not to let it brown or it will taste bitter.

Wilt the Greens:

Add the sliced chard to the hot oil and garlic mixture. Cook while stirring constantly for one minute. The greens will begin to wilt and significantly reduce in volume. The residual water clinging to the leaves helps create steam.

Cook the Pasta:

Pour in the cup of water, add the broken spaghetti pieces, and sprinkle with salt. Stir everything together and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pan, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for approximately 9 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together or to the bottom of the pan.

Finish the Dish:

Remove the pan from heat once the pasta is al dente and most of the water has been absorbed. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta and incorporate the cheese throughout the dish.

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The first time I served this dish, I was honestly surprised by how flavorful it was given its simplicity. The slight bitterness of the chard balances beautifully with the olive oil and Parmesan, creating a restaurant-worthy pasta dish with minimal effort.

Seasonal Variations

This adaptable recipe works beautifully with whatever greens are in season. In spring, try tender baby spinach or arugula which will wilt in even less time than chard. Summer brings the opportunity to add halved cherry tomatoes during the last minute of cooking. Fall is perfect for heartier kale, though you may need to extend the cooking time by a minute or two. Winter spinach tends to be more substantial and makes an excellent substitute when chard isn't available.

Make It a Complete Meal

Turn this simple pasta dish into a more substantial meal with minimal extra effort. Add a can of drained and rinsed white beans during the last few minutes of cooking for added protein and fiber. For meat eaters, stir in some precooked rotisserie chicken or quickly sautéed shrimp just before serving. A handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts adds wonderful texture and healthy fats to complete the dish.

Choosing the Best Chard

When selecting Swiss chard at the market, look for vibrant, firm leaves without yellowing or wilting. The stems should be crisp and brightly colored. Rainbow chard with its multicolored stems works beautifully in this recipe and adds visual appeal, but standard white-stemmed chard delivers the same wonderful flavor. If the leaves seem particularly sandy, fill your sink with cold water and swish them around to remove grit before cooking.

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This one-pan spaghetti is proof that simple ingredients and minimal effort can still deliver an incredibly satisfying meal. Clean plates guaranteed!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like linguine, fettuccine, or even short pasta like penne. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly so the pasta cooks evenly.

→ What can I substitute for Swiss chard?

If you don’t have Swiss chard, try using spinach, kale, or beet greens for a similar flavor and texture.

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative for a vegan-friendly version.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would make great additions for a protein boost.

→ How do I prevent the spaghetti from sticking while cooking?

Make sure to stir the mixture a few times while it cooks, and keep the spaghetti submerged in the liquid as much as possible.