One Pan Spaghetti with Chard: Quick and Easy Recipe

Looking for a delicious and hassle-free dinner idea for those busy weeknights? Look no further than this delightful One Pan Spaghetti with Chard recipe! With just a handful of basic ingredients and minimal cleanup, this dish is a game-changer for anyone craving a nutritious meal without the fuss. The star of the show? Swiss chard, which adds a beautiful pop of color and earthy flavor to this simple yet satisfying pasta dish.

I stumbled upon this gem of a recipe during a chaotic week when my kitchen was in disarray, and it quickly became a household favorite. The combination of tender spaghetti, vibrant chard, and a hint of Parmesan cheese creates a harmony of flavors that will have even the pickiest eaters coming back for seconds. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile – switch up the greens based on the season or add protein like chicken or shrimp for an extra boost. Trust me, this One Pan Spaghetti with Chard is a must-try for busy families and foodies alike!

Quick Benefits

• Efficient Cleanup: One-pan cooking minimizes dishwashing and simplifies cleanup for busy weeknights.
• Nutritious Meal: Packed with Swiss chard, this dish offers a flavorful way to incorporate greens into your diet.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable with different greens and protein options, making it a flexible recipe for all seasons and dietary preferences.

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Spaghetti with Chard: Quick and Easy Recipe Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Perfect for hectic weeknights, this one-pan spaghetti with chard is quick and easy to make, requiring minimal effort and cleanup.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this flavorful dish – it’s so delicious that even vegetable-skeptical teenagers will be asking for seconds.
• Surprisingly Flavorful: Despite its simplicity, the combination of chard, olive oil, and Parmesan creates a restaurant-quality pasta dish that will impress your taste buds.
• Adaptable and Seasonal: Easily customizable with seasonal greens and additions like cherry tomatoes, white beans, chicken, or shrimp, making it suitable for all year round.
• Versatile Ingredients: Substitute Swiss chard with spinach, kale, or beet greens for a similar taste and texture, and adjust the cheese for a vegan-friendly option.
• Visual Appeal: Rainbow chard adds an attractive pop of color, making this dish not only delicious but visually appealing.
• Protein-Packed: Add beans or meat for extra protein and flavor, making it a more filling and well-balanced meal.
• Textural Twist: Enhance the dish with toasted nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for added texture and healthy fats.
• Cooking Tips: Easily adapt with different pasta shapes and ensure even cooking by stirring the mixture and keeping the spaghetti submerged in the liquid.

Ingredients for One Pan Spaghetti with Chard: Quick and Easy Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 ounces thin spaghetti, broken in half
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 bunch Swiss chard
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese

Pro Tips for One Pan Spaghetti with Chard: Quick and Easy Recipe

Pro Tips:

1. Experiment with different greens based on the season for variety. Try tender baby spinach in spring, cherry tomatoes in summer, heartier kale in fall, or winter spinach as a chard substitute.

2. Enhance the dish with additional protein by adding white beans, precooked chicken, shrimp, or toasted nuts for extra flavor and texture.

3. To ensure a successful dish, keep the spaghetti submerged in the liquid while cooking, and stir the mixture occasionally for even cooking. Remember, you can use other pasta shapes or substitute Swiss chard with spinach, kale, or beet greens for a similar taste and texture.

How to Make One Pan Spaghetti with Chard: Quick and Easy Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Swiss chard

Trim thick stems from Swiss chard, wash thoroughly, and cut into 2-inch slices while still wet.

Step 2: Cook garlic and Swiss chard

In a large pan over medium-high heat, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil with minced garlic until sizzling. Add sliced Swiss chard and cook for one minute, stirring to soften.

Step 3: Add spaghetti and simmer

Combine water, broken spaghetti, and salt in a pot. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 9 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Finish and serve

Take the pan off the heat and mix in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and Parmesan cheese.

Storage Tips

To store the finished one-pan spaghetti with chard, allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator and consume the dish within 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the pasta and prevent it from drying out.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked one-pan spaghetti in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Ensure the dish is completely cooled before freezing, and it should be consumed within 1-2 months for the best quality. To reheat frozen spaghetti, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it in a pan on the stovetop with a little extra liquid to prevent sticking.

Remember to label the containers with the date to keep track of how long the dish has been stored. Proper storage techniques will help maintain the flavors and textures of the one-pan spaghetti with chard for enjoyable meals even after being stored.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are looking to substitute the Swiss chard in this one-pan spaghetti recipe, spinach, kale, or beet greens can be excellent alternatives. These greens offer similar flavors and textures that complement the dish well. Feel free to experiment with different greens based on what you have available or prefer.

For a vegan-friendly version of this dish, you can easily omit the Parmesan cheese or swap it out for a plant-based alternative. This substitution maintains the savory element of the dish while catering to dietary preferences or restrictions. Consider using nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan substitute to achieve a cheesy flavor without dairy.

To enhance the protein content of this one-pan spaghetti, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas during the last few minutes of cooking. These additions provide a protein boost and contribute to a more substantial meal without requiring much extra effort. Adjust the quantity of protein based on your preferences and dietary needs to customize the dish to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this simple and flavorful one-pan spaghetti with chard into an elegant dish fit for a dinner party by serving it in individual pasta bowls garnished with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Pair it with a side of crusty garlic bread and a crisp white wine for a complete dining experience that will impress your guests while keeping cleanup minimal.

For a cozy family dinner, serve this comforting one-pan spaghetti in a large communal pasta bowl placed at the center of the table. Let everyone help themselves to this hearty dish and pass around a basket of warm breadsticks for a casual and interactive dining experience. Pair it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to round out the meal and create a balanced and satisfying dinner that brings everyone together.

FAQs for One Pan Spaghetti with Chard: Quick and Easy Recipe

Can I use a different pasta shape for this recipe?

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.

Can I substitute Swiss chard with other greens?

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

Can I make this recipe 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.

Conclusion

As you sit down to enjoy this delicious One Pan Spaghetti with Chard, take pride in knowing that you’ve whipped up a fantastic meal with minimal effort and cleanup. The balance of flavors in this dish is truly remarkable – from the earthy chard to the salty Parmesan and the richness of olive oil, each bite is a celebration of simplicity and taste.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe! Experiment with different greens and protein options to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re a busy parent, a novice cook, or just someone looking for a quick and nutritious meal, One Pan Spaghetti with Chard is a versatile and satisfying option that will surely become a staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try, and savor the flavors of this delightful one-pan wonder.

One Pan Spaghetti with Chard: Quick and Easy Recipe

One-pan Spaghetti with Swiss chard: A quick, flavorful meal that transforms simple ingredients into a delicious pasta dish with minimal cleanup.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time15 Minutes

Total Time25 Minutes

CuisineItalian

Skill LevelEasy

Servings2 Servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 ounces thin spaghetti, broken in half
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 bunch Swiss chard
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Swiss chard: Trim thick stems from Swiss chard, wash thoroughly, and cut into 2-inch slices while still wet.
2. Cook garlic and Swiss chard: In a large pan over medium-high heat, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil with minced garlic until sizzling. Add sliced Swiss chard and cook for one minute, stirring to soften.
3. Add spaghetti and simmer: Combine water, broken spaghetti, and salt in a pot. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 9 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Finish and serve: Take the pan off the heat and mix in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and Parmesan cheese.