Italian Style Swiss Chard and Beans with Orecchiette Pasta

Italian Style Swiss Chard and Beans with Orecchiette Pasta

1 large bunch Swiss chard, stems removed, and leaves sliced
½ pound of orecchiette pasta, or small pasta of your choice
1 small onion, diced
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, sliced thin
1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup of low sodium chicken broth
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. red pepper flakes

Directions

  1. Rinse the Swiss chard and remove the stems. Chop the leaves into 1 inch pieces. Steam the leaves in a small amount of water for 2 minutes, then plunge into ice water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
  2. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
  3. Saute the onion in the olive oil until translucent. Add the sliced garlic and cook and stir for 2 minutes longer.
  4. Add the chicken broth to the pan.
  5. Add the beans and cooked pasta and reserved pasta water.
  6. When everything is heated through, add the swiss chard. Cook for 2 minutes more.
  7. Pour the mixture into a large serving bowl, then top with the grated parmesan cheese.

Nutritional Information:
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 351 Calories; 17g Fat (43.6% calories from fat); 17g Protein; 33g Carbohydrate; 8g Dietary Fiber; 8mg Cholesterol; 652mg Sodium, Exchanges: 2 Grain(Starch); 1 1/2 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 3 Fat. May 2017.

Recipe provided by: Shelby Langford, Vernon College Culinary Student