Garlic Oregano Swiss Chard Spaghetti with Salmon
This delightful dish showcases the vibrant flavors of fresh Swiss chard, a hearty leafy green you've likely come to cherish. Combining the earthy taste of sautéed garlic and oregano with the wholesome goodness of whole wheat spaghetti creates a perfect base for the meal. The addition of canned or fresh salmon elevates this pasta to a comforting yet sophisticated dinner. Even if you're a vegetarian, the robust flavors shine through beautifully, ensuring an extraordinary meal that's both nutritious and affordable. Ideal for casual family dinners or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress your guests!
4
Servings
300
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic cloves
4 (crushed and minced)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon
Fresh oregano
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Whole wheat spaghetti or linguine
8 ounces
Swiss chard
1 lb (sliced thinly, stems reserved)
Rotel tomatoes & chilies
1 (14 ounce) can
Canned or fresh salmon
1 (16 ounce) can
White wine or champagne
1 cup
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While the water heats up, prepare your vegetables and open the cans of salmon and tomatoes.
2
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped oregano, sautéing for about 1 minute or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
3
Stir in the sliced Swiss chard and reserved stems. Cook until the chard is wilted and tender, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4
Once the water is boiling, add the sprig of oregano and spaghetti. Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package indicates to achieve an al dente texture.
5
Add white wine to the skillet with the Swiss chard, using a wooden spoon to scrape the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the alcohol to cook off for about 3-4 minutes.
6
Stir in the Rotel tomatoes (including liquid) and the canned salmon. Use a spatula to break the salmon into bite-sized pieces, combining it with the sauce.
7
When the pasta is just 2 minutes from being done, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta. Transfer the partially cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce, tossing well to combine.
8
Cook for an additional 2 minutes, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
9
Serve immediately, garnished with additional oregano if desired.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
40g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic Oregano Swiss Chard Spaghetti with Salmon?
It is a nutritious pasta dish featuring whole wheat spaghetti, fresh Swiss chard, and salmon, flavored with garlic, oregano, and a white wine sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients are garlic, olive oil, fresh oregano, whole wheat spaghetti, Swiss chard, Rotel tomatoes, salmon, and white wine.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy meal containing whole grains, leafy greens, and lean protein, with only 300 calories per serving.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What kind of pasta is recommended?
The recipe recommends using 8 ounces of whole wheat spaghetti or linguine.
Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the salmon and the robust flavors of the garlic, oregano, and Swiss chard will still create an extraordinary meal.
How do I prepare the Swiss chard?
The Swiss chard should be sliced thinly, and the stems should be reserved to be cooked along with the leaves.
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes, you can use either one 16-ounce can of salmon or an equivalent amount of fresh salmon.
What is the purpose of the white wine in the sauce?
White wine is used to deglaze the skillet, scraping up flavorful bits from the bottom to create a more complex sauce.
What is a good substitute for white wine?
You can substitute white wine with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or a splash of lemon juice mixed with water.
How long does it take to prepare this meal?
It is a quick 30-minute meal once the ingredients are prepared.
What are Rotel tomatoes?
Rotel is a brand of canned diced tomatoes with green chilies that adds a mild heat and extra flavor to the sauce.
Can I use dried oregano instead of fresh?
While fresh oregano is preferred, you can use dried oregano; use about 1 teaspoon of dried to replace the 1 tablespoon of fresh.
How do I ensure the pasta is al dente?
Cook the spaghetti for 2 minutes less than the package instructions, then finish cooking it directly in the skillet with the sauce.
Why should I reserve pasta water?
The starchy pasta water helps the sauce emulsify and stick to the noodles, and allows you to adjust the sauce consistency.
What is the protein content of a single serving?
Each serving provides 12.5 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 7.5 grams of fat per serving.
Is there a significant amount of fiber?
Yes, there are 5 grams of fiber per serving due to the whole wheat pasta and Swiss chard.
Can I use other greens instead of Swiss chard?
Yes, you can substitute Swiss chard with other leafy greens like kale or spinach.
How do I keep the garlic from burning?
Sauté the garlic over medium heat for only about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but not brown.
How should I handle the canned salmon?
Add it to the skillet and use a spatula to break it into bite-sized pieces while combining it with the tomatoes and chard.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, its sophisticated flavor profile and vibrant presentation make it ideal for special occasions or guests.
What is the recommended garnish?
The dish can be garnished with additional fresh oregano or a sprinkle of cheese.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 cloves of garlic, crushed and minced.
Can champagne be used for the sauce?
Yes, the recipe suggests either white wine or champagne can be used.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, using canned salmon and seasonal greens makes this an affordable way to enjoy a gourmet-style meal.
Should I cook the Swiss chard stems?
Yes, the reserved stems should be chopped and sautéed with the leaves until tender.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and prepare your vegetables.