Vibrant, nutrient-rich, perfect with grilled chicken.
This Swiss Chard Pecan Pesto Pasta is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that blends the earthy flavors of Swiss chard with the nutty richness of pecans. The addition of basil, Parmesan, and lemon juice creates a well-balanced, flavorful pesto that coats the pasta perfectly. This recipe is a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet while enjoying a delicious meal. Serve it with grilled chicken or fish for added protein, and pair it with a simple green salad to round out the meal. It’s a wholesome, satisfying dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Pesto
- 1 bunch Swiss chard (stems removed, leaves roughly chopped)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup toasted pecans
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra pecans for garnish
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (your choice of type)
- Salt for pasta water
Directions
- Prepare the Pesto
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Blanch the Swiss chard leaves for about 1 minute, then transfer to an ice bath to cool.
- Drain and squeeze out excess water from the chard.
- In a food processor, combine the blanched Swiss chard, basil, toasted pecans, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
- Pulse until finely chopped, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while processing until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Combine and Serve
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the Swiss chard pecan pesto, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan and toasted pecans if desired.