Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this absolutely irresistible Zesty Pesto Pasta with Rainbow Chard! Imagine a vibrant, colorful dish that combines the rich, nutty flavors of pesto with the tender, slightly earthy rainbow chard, all tossed together in perfectly cooked pasta. This isn't just another pasta recipe – it's a culinary adventure that brings the fresh, bold flavors of Italy right to your dinner table in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 2 cups rainbow chard, chopped
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the rainbow chard. Rinse the 2 cups of chopped rainbow chard under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Shake off excess water and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped rainbow chard to the skillet. Sauté the chard for about 3-4 minutes, or until it wilts down and becomes tender.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as you want to keep the starch that helps the sauce adhere.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sautéed rainbow chard. Stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Next, add 1/2 cup of pesto to the pasta and chard mixture. Toss everything together, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to help the pesto coat the pasta evenly. The consistency should be creamy but not too watery.
- In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the 1/4 cup of pine nuts. Stir frequently for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- Once the pine nuts are toasted, remove them from the heat and sprinkle them over the pasta. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, and toss gently to combine all the flavors.
- Serve the Zesty Pesto Pasta with Rainbow Chard immediately, garnished with additional pine nuts if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- • Always salt your pasta water generously – it should taste like the sea to ensure perfectly seasoned pasta. • Toast your pine nuts carefully! They can burn quickly, so keep a close eye and stir frequently. • Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy liquid is liquid gold for creating a smooth, clingy sauce. • For the best flavor, use fresh pesto if possible, and don't be afraid to adjust the amount to suit your taste. • Want to make this dish even more special? Try using fresh, homemade pesto or experiment with different types of nuts for toasting. • If rainbow chard isn't available, you can substitute with spinach or kale for a similar nutritious green.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 10mg
