Hearty Swiss Chard and Penne Soup
Warm up with a bowl of this delightful Hearty Swiss Chard and Penne Soup! This nutritious, comforting soup boasts the earthy flavor of Swiss chard combined with the heartiness of penne pasta. Cannellini beans add a creamy texture, while garlic and red onion bring warmth and depth. Perfect for a chilly evening or as a wholesome lunch, this soup is not only easy to make but also highly customizable with your favorite fresh herbs and spices. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor. Gather your friends and family to share this nutritious meal that’s sure to become a new favorite!
N/A
Servings
75
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic
2 (cloves, minced)
red onion
1 (medium (5 oz), chopped)
swiss chard
1 (bunch (10 oz), leaves roughly chopped and stems chopped)
olive oil
3 (tablespoons)
chicken stock
6 (cups)
water
3 (cups)
penne
1 (cup (or mostaccioli, other tubular pasta))
canned cannellini beans
2 (cups, drained)
fennel seed
1/4 (teaspoon)
red pepper flakes
1/4 (teaspoon)
salt
to taste (freshly ground)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Parmesan cheese
to taste (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Begin by mincing the garlic using a food processor. Once minced, add the chopped red onion and pulse until coarsely chopped; set aside.
2
Remove the leaves from the Swiss chard and chop them roughly. Cut the chard stems into small pieces, about 1-2 inches long.
3
In a heavy 4-quart saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking them until soft and fragrant, about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent browning.
4
Next, add the chicken stock and water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
5
Stir in the penne pasta and let it cook for 5 minutes until it just starts to soften.
6
While the pasta is cooking, roll the reserved Swiss chard leaves tightly and slice them into strips. Once the pasta has cooked slightly, add the chard leaves to the soup.
7
Incorporate the drained cannellini beans, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes into the mixture. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
8
Return the soup to a boil and cook for an additional 3 minutes or until the penne is tender and the chard is wilted and bright.
9
Serve hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
1.67g
Fat
10.83g
Carbs
4.17g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Swiss Chard and Penne Soup?
It is a nutritious and comforting soup that combines the earthy flavor of Swiss chard with hearty penne pasta, creamy cannellini beans, and aromatic garlic and onion.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this soup?
The main ingredients include Swiss chard, penne pasta, canned cannellini beans, chicken stock, garlic, red onion, olive oil, and various seasonings.
How do I prepare the garlic and red onion for this recipe?
Mince the garlic in a food processor first, then add the red onion and pulse until it is coarsely chopped.
How should the Swiss chard be prepared?
Separate the leaves from the stems. Chop the stems into 1-2 inch pieces and slice the leaves into thin strips after rolling them tightly.
What kind of pasta works best in this soup?
The recipe calls for penne, but other tubular pastas like mostaccioli are also excellent choices.
How long should I cook the garlic and onion?
Sauté them in olive oil over medium heat for about 15 minutes until they are soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
Is Hearty Swiss Chard and Penne Soup vegetarian?
The recipe uses chicken stock, but it can easily be made vegetarian or vegan by substituting it with vegetable stock and omitting the Parmesan cheese.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 75 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
The soup contains 1.67g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this soup provide?
Each serving provides 4.17g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 10.83g of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I cook the penne in the soup?
Once the stock and water are at a vigorous boil, add the penne and cook for 5 minutes before adding the other ingredients.
When should I add the Swiss chard leaves?
Add the sliced chard leaves to the pot after the pasta has cooked for its initial 5 minutes.
What spices are used to season the soup?
The soup is seasoned with fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
How do I know when the soup is finished cooking?
The soup is ready once it has returned to a boil and cooked for 3 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the chard is wilted.
What is the recommended garnish for this dish?
It is best served hot with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total, ranging from vegetables and pasta to spices and stock.
Can I use dry beans instead of canned cannellini beans?
Yes, but you must soak and cook them beforehand; the recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of drained canned beans for convenience.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy recipe, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
What size pot should I use?
A heavy 4-quart saucepan is recommended for this recipe.
Can I customize this soup with other herbs?
Absolutely! The recipe is highly customizable, and you can add any of your favorite fresh herbs or spices.
What role do the cannellini beans play in the soup?
The cannellini beans add a creamy texture and extra protein to the soup.
How much water and stock are needed?
The recipe requires 6 cups of chicken stock and 3 cups of water.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy meal because it is low in calories and packed with nutritious greens and beans.
Can I store leftovers of this soup?
Yes, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; however, the pasta may absorb some of the liquid during storage.
What can I substitute for Swiss chard?
While Swiss chard provides a unique earthy flavor, you could substitute it with kale or spinach if needed.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing.
Why are the chard stems cooked separately from the leaves?
The stems are tougher and may require more cooking time, though in this recipe, the leaves are specifically added later to keep them bright and wilted rather than overcooked.
How much red pepper flake should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon for a hint of warmth, but you can adjust this to your spice preference.
What makes this soup a comfort food?
The combination of warm broth, tender pasta, and hearty beans makes it a filling and soul-warming dish.