Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 onions , thinly sliced
2 bunches swiss chard , trimmed and chopped ( about 14 cups )
3 garlic cloves , minced
1 can diced tomatoes in tomato puree
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper flakes
salt and pepper
8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti
1/4 cup pitted kalamata olive , coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons freshly grated pecorino cheese
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
Whole-Wheat Spaghetti With Swiss Chard and Pecorino Cheese is a healthy and delicious pasta recipe that's easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet is also elegant enough for entertaining. This recipe combines the wonderful flavors of fresh and flavorful swiss chard with a rich tomato sauce, crisp kalamata olives, and tangy pecorino cheese, all tossed with wholesome whole-wheat spaghetti. The delectable fusion of flavors and textures in this dish is truly mouthwatering.

Instructions

1.Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2.Add the onions, and sauté until they're softened and lightly browned, about 8 minutes.
3.Add the swiss chard and garlic, stirring until the leaves are wilted, for about 5 minutes.
4.Mix in the canned diced tomatoes, white wine, and crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper, then let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
5.While the sauce is simmering, cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
6.Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and toss it with the sauce, chopped kalamata olives, a bit of the reserved pasta water, and grated pecorino cheese.
7.Serve the spaghetti hot, sprinkled with toasted pine nuts on top.

PROS

Whole grain spaghetti packs fiber into each hearty serving, while swiss chard delivers vitamins and minerals.
Additional flavor comes from olives, crushed pepper, and freshly grated pecorino cheese.
With this recipe, you can have a healthy pasta dinner on the table in no time!

CONS

Whole wheat pasta can have a firmer texture and a nuttier taste than regular pasta.
Swiss chard can be bitter if overcooked, so be mindful of the cooking time.
This recipe is high in sodium due to the addition of canned tomatoes.
Be sure to rinse the olives to reduce sodium intake.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Whole wheat pasta is low in fat and high in fiber, making it a great choice for a healthy diet. Swiss chard is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins K, A, and C, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood pressure, while tomatoes are high in lycopene, an antioxidant that may lower the risk of heart disease and cancer. Pecorino cheese, being lower in fat and calories than other cheeses, adds a tangy bite of calcium and protein. In short, this recipe is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.