Pasta with Greens

Swiss Chard Pasta with Cottage Cheese Recipe

Region / culture: Switzerland | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Pasta with greens is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the heartiness of pasta with the freshness of leafy greens. This recipe is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a comforting and satisfying meal.

History

Pasta with greens is a traditional Italian dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a simple and rustic recipe that highlights the flavors of fresh greens and pairs them with pasta for a filling and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) of greens, such as swiss chard, broccoli rabe, beet greens, kale, escarole, dandelion greens, collard greens, alone or in combination
0.5 cup of non-fat or low-fat cottage cheese
2 tbsp of low-fat milk
0.25 cup of grated pecorino cheese (1 oz or 28 g)
1 tbsp of olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 lb (454 g) of spaghetti

How to prepare

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Fill a large bowl with cold water and set it aside.
Meanwhile, remove the stems from the greens and wash them thoroughly.
When the water comes to a boil, add 1 tbsp of salt and the greens.
Cook the greens until they are tender, which should take about 2 to 5 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the greens from the water.
Transfer the greens to the bowl of cold water, then drain them.
Reserve the cooking water for the pasta.
Gently squeeze out most of the water from the greens and chop them coarsely.
Set the greens aside.
In a food processor fitted with a steel blade, or in a mini-processor, blend the cottage cheese until it is fairly smooth.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl and blend again.
Add the milk and blend until the mixture becomes creamy.
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
Add the garlic and red pepper flakes.
Cook, stirring, until the garlic begins to color, which should take about 30 seconds.
Add the greens and stir for 1 minute.
Stir in 0.5 cup of the cooking liquid that was reserved from the greens.
Add salt to taste and remove the skillet from the heat, but keep it warm.
Bring the pot of water back to a rolling boil and add the pasta.
Cook the pasta until it is just tender, which should take about 10 minutes.
Drain the pasta well.
Transfer the pasta to the skillet with the greens.
Add the cottage cheese mixture and pecorino cheese.
Toss everything together and serve.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Use different types of greens, such as kale or spinach, for variety.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to thoroughly wash and dry the greens before cooking to remove any dirt or grit.

- Cooking the greens in boiling water for a short amount of time helps to retain their vibrant color and nutrients.

- Blending the cottage cheese with milk creates a creamy and rich sauce that pairs perfectly with the greens and pasta.

- Tossing the pasta with the greens and cheese mixture while still warm helps to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve pasta with greens with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. You can also top it with additional grated cheese or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching the greens helps to retain their color and nutrients.

- Tossing the pasta with the greens and cheese mixture while still warm ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of pasta in this recipe, such as whole wheat or gluten-free.

- Substitute ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese if desired.

- Use any type of hard cheese, such as Parmesan or Romano, in place of the pecorino cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

You can blanch the greens and prepare the cottage cheese mixture ahead of time to save time when cooking. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the pasta with greens with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a pop of color. Serve it in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pasta with greens pairs well with a light and crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. You can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of pasta with greens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of pasta with greens contains approximately 400 calories. This dish is a satisfying and filling meal that can be enjoyed as a main course.

Carbohydrates

Pasta with greens is a carbohydrate-rich dish due to the pasta and greens. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are an important part of a balanced diet.

Fats

This recipe contains healthy fats from the olive oil and cheese. Fats are essential for nutrient absorption and provide satiety and flavor to the dish.

Proteins

The cottage cheese in this recipe provides a good source of protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair. Protein also helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Vitamins and minerals

Greens are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy from the cottage cheese and cheese. It may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies or intolerances.

Summary

Pasta with greens is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a delicious way to enjoy a variety of nutrients in one dish.

Summary

Pasta with greens is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of pasta, greens, and cheese for a satisfying meal. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with different ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish for a comforting and wholesome meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Pasta with Greens. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the countryside. My grandmother, who was a fantastic cook, had always encouraged me to experiment in the kitchen and try new things. One day, as I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been handed down through the generations, I came across a recipe that caught my eye.

The recipe called for simple ingredients – pasta, garlic, olive oil, and a variety of greens such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard. It seemed like a humble dish, yet something about the combination of flavors intrigued me. I decided to give it a try, and I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious it turned out.

As I sat down to enjoy my creation, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had discovered a new recipe that would soon become a staple in my kitchen. Over the years, I continued to perfect the dish, tweaking the ingredients and cooking methods to suit my taste. And as I shared it with friends and family, it became a beloved favorite among them as well.

But the story of how I learned to make Pasta with Greens goes beyond just a simple recipe. It is a tale of tradition, of passing down knowledge and skills from one generation to the next. My grandmother had taught me how to cook with love and care, instilling in me a passion for creating delicious meals that bring people together.

I remember the countless hours spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, watching her chop vegetables, simmer sauces, and knead dough. She had a knack for turning simple ingredients into mouthwatering dishes that never failed to impress. And as I stood by her side, absorbing her wisdom and expertise, I knew that I was learning from the best.

As I grew older and ventured out on my own, I carried with me the lessons and recipes that my grandmother had taught me. And when I came across the recipe for Pasta with Greens all those years ago, it felt like a sign – a reminder of the bond that we shared and the traditions that had been passed down through the ages.

Today, whenever I make Pasta with Greens, I can't help but think of my grandmother and the legacy that she left behind. Her passion for cooking and her dedication to creating delicious meals continue to inspire me, guiding me as I navigate the kitchen and experiment with new flavors and techniques.

And so, as I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of Pasta with Greens, I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge and wisdom that has been passed down to me. I am thankful for the memories of my grandmother and the joy that her recipes bring to my life. And I am proud to carry on the tradition of cooking with love and sharing delicious meals with those I hold dear.