Nutty Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Sautéed Swiss Chard and Pecorino
Kick off the new year with a healthier yet delicious meal that's a feast for the senses. This Nutty Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Sautéed Swiss Chard and Pecorino brings together the heartiness of whole wheat pasta, the earthy flavors of Swiss chard, and the richness of Pecorino cheese. It strikes the perfect balance between nutrition and delight, making it a fantastic choice to refresh your palate after the rich holiday meals. The toasted pine nuts add a crunchy texture, while the Kalamata olives bring a burst of flavor that complements the tomatoes beautifully. This dish is quick, easy, and perfect for a cozy dinner for two or a small gathering with friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pine nuts
2 tablespoons (toasted)
Extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
Onions
2 (thinly sliced)
Swiss chard
2 bunches (trimmed and chopped (about 14 cups))
Garlic cloves
4 (minced)
Diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (with juice)
Dry white wine
1/4 cup (for cooking)
Crushed dried red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Whole wheat spaghetti
8 ounces (to be cooked)
Kalamata olives
1/4 cup (pitted and coarsely chopped)
Pecorino cheese
2 tablespoons (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the pine nuts on a heavy baking sheet or in a pie tin and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are golden brown. Once toasted, set them aside to cool.
2
In a large, heavy frying pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté for about 8 minutes until they become tender. Stir in the chopped Swiss chard and continue to sauté for an additional 2 minutes until it wilts.
3
Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Next, pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juice, the dry white wine, and the crushed red pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
4
Cover the pan and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until the tomatoes break down and the Swiss chard is very tender. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring it is well-balanced.
5
While the chard mixture simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the whole wheat spaghetti and cook it for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender but still firm to the bite.
6
Drain the spaghetti and add it directly to the chard mixture in the frying pan. Toss everything together until the pasta is well combined with the vegetables.
7
To serve, transfer the pasta to individual bowls. Top with the toasted pine nuts, coarsely chopped Kalamata olives, and sprinkle with freshly grated Pecorino cheese. Enjoy this delightful dish warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Nutty Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Sautéed Swiss Chard and Pecorino.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is tagged as a vegetarian meal.
What type of pasta is used in this dish?
This recipe uses 8 ounces of whole wheat spaghetti.
How many bunches of Swiss chard do I need?
You will need 2 bunches of Swiss chard, which is approximately 14 cups when trimmed and chopped.
How do I toast the pine nuts?
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C), spread the pine nuts on a baking sheet, and toast for about 10 minutes until golden brown.
What is the recommended cooking time for the spaghetti?
The whole wheat spaghetti should be cooked in boiling salted water for about 8 minutes.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of freshly grated Pecorino cheese.
What type of oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
How long should I sauté the onions?
The thinly sliced onions should be sautéed for about 8 minutes until they are tender.
When do I add the garlic to the pan?
Add the minced garlic after sautéing the Swiss chard, and cook it for about 1 minute until fragrant.
What kind of tomatoes are required?
One 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes with their juice is used for the sauce.
Is there any alcohol used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/4 cup of dry white wine for cooking the sauce.
How do I season the dish for a bit of heat?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of crushed dried red pepper flakes for seasoning.
How long should the tomato and chard mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer covered for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down.
What type of olives are added to the pasta?
The dish uses 1/4 cup of pitted and coarsely chopped Kalamata olives.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 4 minced garlic cloves.
Is this a healthy recipe option?
Yes, it is described as a healthier meal that strikes a balance between nutrition and delight.
How many onions are used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 thinly sliced onions.
What is the suggested texture for the pasta?
The pasta should be cooked until it is tender but still firm to the bite.
How much Pecorino cheese is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of freshly grated Pecorino cheese.
When do I add the toasted pine nuts?
The toasted pine nuts are added as a topping just before serving.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The dish features earthy Swiss chard, rich Pecorino, nutty pine nuts, and tangy Kalamata olives.
How many pine nuts are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of pine nuts.
Does the recipe use salt and pepper?
Yes, both salt and black pepper are added to taste for seasoning.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The description indicates it is perfect for a cozy dinner for two or a small gathering.
Do I need to drain the pasta?
Yes, drain the spaghetti before adding it directly to the chard mixture in the frying pan.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include healthy meal, vegetarian, one dish meal, nutty, and easy dinner.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, the description notes that the dish is quick and easy to make.
Can I use the juice from the diced tomatoes?
Yes, the instructions specifically say to pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juice.
How is the Swiss chard prepared before cooking?
The Swiss chard should be trimmed and chopped into pieces.