Creamy Penne with Lima Beans and Swiss Chard
This delightful pasta dish marries the earthiness of tender lima beans with the vibrant, slightly bitter notes of Swiss chard, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. Inspired by a beloved teacher's lunch, this recipe is both comforting and nutritious, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. The addition of prosciutto adds a savory depth, while fresh herbs brighten the dish, making it an irresistible choice for any pasta lover.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
3 quarts (for boiling pasta)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (for sautéing)
garlic cloves
6 (thickly sliced)
red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (for heat)
Italian parsley
2 tablespoons (fresh, chopped)
onion
1/2 (chopped)
lima beans
1.5 cups (frozen, thawed)
prosciutto or ham
3/4 cup (chopped)
dry white wine
1/4 cup (for deglazing)
chicken stock
1.5 cups (for sauce)
whipping cream
1/3 cup (for creaminess)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Swiss chard or spinach
3 cups (thinly sliced)
penne or spaghetti
1 lb (for pasta)
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/4 cup (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a rolling boil.
2
In a separate large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
3
Add the sliced garlic, red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, onion, thawed lima beans, and chopped prosciutto or ham to the pan.
4
Reduce the heat to medium and sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is golden and the onion is soft.
5
Pour in the dry white wine, increase the heat, and allow it to boil until reduced by half, about 2 minutes.
6
Stir in the chicken stock, whipping cream, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce gently simmer for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened.
7
Add the thinly sliced Swiss chard or spinach to the sauce about 2 minutes before it's done, mixing well to incorporate.
8
While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta in the boiling water until al dente, following package instructions.
9
Once cooked, drain the pasta well and return it to the pot.
10
Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta and toss to coat over medium heat for 3 minutes.
11
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese until well combined. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Penne with Lima Beans and Swiss Chard?
It is a comforting and nutritious pasta dish that combines tender lima beans, vibrant Swiss chard, and a rich, creamy sauce with savory prosciutto.
What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 1 lb of either penne or spaghetti.
Can I substitute the Swiss chard?
Yes, you can use 3 cups of thinly sliced spinach as a substitute for Swiss chard.
How should the lima beans be prepared?
Use 1.5 cups of frozen lima beans and ensure they are thawed before you begin cooking.
Is there a meat-free option for this recipe?
To make it vegetarian, omit the prosciutto or ham and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
What type of wine should be used?
A dry white wine is ideal for deglazing the pan and adding depth to the sauce.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 6 garlic cloves, which should be thickly sliced.
What gives the dish its creaminess?
The creaminess comes from a combination of 1/3 cup of whipping cream and freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
How long do I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the garlic, onion, and lima beans for about 5-6 minutes until the garlic is golden and the onion is soft.
What is the purpose of the red pepper flakes?
A 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes is added to provide a subtle heat to the dish.
When do I add the Swiss chard to the sauce?
Add the thinly sliced Swiss chard about 2 minutes before the sauce is finished simmering.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should gently simmer for 10-15 minutes until it is slightly thickened.
What amount of chicken stock is needed?
You will need 1.5 cups of chicken stock for the base of the sauce.
How do I finish the dish once the pasta is cooked?
Drain the pasta, pour the sauce over it, and toss to coat over medium heat for 3 minutes before stirring in the cheese.
Can I use ham instead of prosciutto?
Yes, the recipe allows for 3/4 cup of either chopped prosciutto or ham.
How much water is needed to boil the pasta?
Bring 3 quarts of water to a rolling boil for the penne or spaghetti.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil heated over high heat.
Should the cheese be pre-grated?
For the best texture and flavor, use 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.
How is the wine reduced?
After adding the wine, increase the heat and allow it to boil until the liquid is reduced by half, which takes about 2 minutes.
Is this recipe quick to make?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and a comforting option for family dinners.
What fresh herbs are included?
The dish features 2 tablespoons of fresh, chopped Italian parsley.
How should the onion be prepared?
Use 1/2 of an onion, finely chopped.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Parmigiano-Reggiano is recommended, you could use another hard Italian cheese like Pecorino Romano.
What was the inspiration for this dish?
The recipe was inspired by a beloved teacher's lunch.
How much salt and pepper should be added?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Does the recipe require cooking the pasta to a specific doneness?
Yes, the pasta should be cooked until it is al dente, according to the package instructions.
Can I use fresh lima beans instead of frozen?
Yes, though you may need to adjust the sautéing time to ensure they are fully tender.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients in total, including staples like water, salt, and pepper.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy due to the inclusion of lima beans and Swiss chard.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It is best served immediately after the cheese is stirred in to maintain the creamy consistency of the sauce.