Imagine twirling your fork into a luxurious plate of pasta that combines the delicate sweetness of caramelized shallots, the earthy richness of Swiss chard, and a velvety cream sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This isn't just another pasta recipe—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish you can create right in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a meal that looks gourmet but is surprisingly easy to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 2 shallots, sliced
- 2 cups Swiss chard, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of your preferred pasta, 2 sliced shallots, 2 cups of chopped Swiss chard, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced shallots.
- Sauté the shallots for about 3-4 minutes, or until they become translucent and slightly caramelized, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add the chopped Swiss chard to the skillet with the shallots. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the Swiss chard is wilted and tender.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Lower the heat under the skillet with the shallots and Swiss chard to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, allowing it to heat through for about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta cooking water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve the creamy pasta immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Pasta with Shallots and Swiss Chard!
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: While this recipe works with most pasta shapes, short pasta like penne or fusilli will hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Don't Overcook the Swiss Chard: Keep it vibrant and tender by cooking just until wilted, which preserves its nutrients and color.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water is liquid gold for creating a silky sauce. It helps bind the cream and cheese, creating a perfect consistency.
- Temperature Control: Keep your heat at medium-low when adding cream to prevent separation and ensure a smooth sauce.
- Fresh is Best: Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and smoother melting compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper in stages, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 541kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 90mg
