Imagine a plate of pasta that combines the rich, savory flavors of Italian sausage, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant Swiss chard - all wrapped in a creamy, cheesy embrace that will transport you straight to culinary heaven! This isn't just another pasta recipe; it's a symphony of flavors that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb sausage
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups Swiss chard, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 1 lb of sausage, 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, 2 cups of chopped Swiss chard, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
- 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, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Sauté the sausage until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sausage is cooked, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and mushrooms. Sauté for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant but not burned.
- After the garlic is fragrant, add the chopped Swiss chard to the skillet. Stir well to combine, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the Swiss chard has wilted down.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sausage, mushrooms, and Swiss chard.
- Pour in the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time, stirring to combine until the pasta is well coated and the mixture is creamy. Adjust the amount of water based on your desired consistency.
- Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until the cheese is melted and everything is evenly combined.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute. Serve the Sausage Mushroom Swiss Chard Pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose high-quality sausage for maximum flavor - fresh Italian sausage works best.
- Don't overcook the Swiss chard; it should be just wilted to retain its nutrients and texture.
- Reserve pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for creating a silky, creamy sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the most intense flavor.
- For a healthier version, use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free alternatives.
- If you like extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Make sure to break the sausage into small, even pieces for consistent cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end to ensure perfect flavor balance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 547kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: mg
