Looking for a delightful dish that’s both nourishing and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this vibrant Pasta with Lentils and Chard! In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a comforting Italian meal that not only satisfies your hunger but also packs a punch of nutrients. With tender pasta, hearty lentils, and fresh chard, this recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner that will leave your taste buds singing. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this dish is sure to impress. Ready to dive into this culinary adventure? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup lentils, cooked
- 2 cups chard, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the lentils under cold water if they are not already cooked. Chop the chard into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Set everything aside.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and soft.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Once the garlic is fragrant, add the chopped chard to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chard is wilted.
- Next, stir in the cooked lentils, mixing well to combine with the onion and chard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
- After the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet with the lentil and chard mixture. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to help combine the ingredients and create a light sauce.
- Once everything is well mixed and heated through, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the pasta warm, drizzling with a little extra olive oil if desired, and enjoy your delicious Pasta with Lentils and Chard!
Tips
- Ingredient Prep: Take a few minutes to prep all your ingredients before starting to cook. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Pasta Perfection: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta cooking water! It’s a secret weapon for creating a silky sauce that helps bind the pasta with the lentils and chard.
- Sautéing Technique: When sautéing the onion and garlic, keep an eye on the heat. You want them to soften and release their flavors without burning. Stir frequently!
- Chard Substitutes: If you can’t find chard, feel free to substitute with spinach or kale. Both options will work beautifully and add their unique flavors to the dish.
- Seasoning Matters: Taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your palate, ensuring every bite is delicious.
- Add a Twist: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the dish.
- Leftover Love: This dish stores well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep. Just reheat and enjoy the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
