Imagine a dish that combines the hearty richness of pasta, the nutritious green goodness of chard, and the protein-packed punch of chickpeas - all in one incredibly satisfying meal that takes just 30 minutes to prepare! This Italian-inspired recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero, offering a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and nutrients that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves delicious, quick meals, this Pasta with Chard and Chickpeas is about to revolutionize your dinner routine.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 bunch chard, chopped
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, thoroughly wash the chard. Remove tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add chopped chard to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until leaves begin to wilt and become tender.
- Stir in chickpeas and season with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- When pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Add drained pasta directly to the skillet with chard and chickpeas. Toss everything together, using reserved pasta water if needed to help create a light sauce.
- Serve hot, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook your pasta just until al dente - this ensures a perfect texture and helps it better absorb the flavors from the chard and chickpeas.
- Chard Selection: Choose fresh, vibrant chard with crisp leaves. Remove the tough stems completely to ensure tender, easy-to-eat greens.
- Garlic Wisdom: Be careful when sautéing garlic - 30-45 seconds is all you need to release its flavor without burning.
- Sauce Secret: Reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid is liquid gold for creating a light, silky sauce that helps everything come together beautifully.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. Grate it right before serving to maximize its aromatic qualities.
- Customization: Feel free to add red pepper flakes for heat, or swap chickpeas with white beans if you prefer. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable!
- One-Pan Convenience: This recipe minimizes cleanup with its simple, streamlined cooking process.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 332kcal
Carbohydrates: 53g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
