Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Swiss Chard and Olives
Whole wheat spaghetti with Swiss chard and olives is a simple yet flavorful recipe that brings out the best of Mediterranean ingredients. The earthy Swiss chard and briny olives create a delicious balance that’s both comforting and refreshing.
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Ingredients
- 8 oz. whole wheat spaghetti
- 6 oz. pancetta, diced (or 4 slices bacon, chopped)
- 1 bunch swiss chard (stems removed, leaves roughly chopped)
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with juice
- splash dry white wine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- salt and pepper to taste
- freshly grated parmesan cheese for topping
- lemon zest (optional for a burst of freshness)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of the cooking water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook pancetta (or bacon) until crispy. Add the sliced mushrooms (optional) and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Add onion and garlic. Cook until the garlic begins to turn golden, about 1 minute.
- Add the chopped Swiss chard to the skillet, along with a pinch of salt, splash of dry white wine, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the chard wilts and becomes tender. Add the can of diced tomatoes and stir.
- Add the sliced olives and cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the Swiss chard. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if the mixture seems dry. Stir well to combine, allowing the pasta to soak up the flavors of the garlic, olive oil, and greens.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Transfer the pasta to bowls, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired. This adds a lovely brightness and a touch of extra flavor.
Notes
*Calories are approximate
Servings: 3 servings
Calories: 454kcal
