Description
A flavorful and hearty one-pot mushroom and Swiss chard pasta recipe that combines sautéed mixed mushrooms, tender whole wheat gemelli pasta, and fresh Swiss chard, all cooked together in a savory vegetable stock and finished with brown butter and Parmesan cheese for a rich, comforting meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Butter and Cooking Base
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
Mushrooms
- 8 ounces mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, oyster)
- 4 ounces cremini mushrooms
Vegetables and Pasta
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 ounces whole wheat gemelli pasta (or a similar shape)
- 1 bunch Swiss chard, stems removed and leaves torn
Liquids and Seasoning
- 3 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken stock
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add 4 tablespoons of the butter. Whisk constantly until the butter begins to bubble and cook for about 5 minutes, just until brown bits appear on the bottom of the pot. As soon as you see these brown bits, turn off the heat and carefully pour the brown butter into a bowl. Set it aside for later use.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pot and heat over medium-low heat. Stir in the mixed mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, and minced garlic. Cook until the mushrooms soften and release their moisture, about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Cook Pasta and Swiss Chard: Add the whole wheat gemelli pasta, torn Swiss chard leaves, low-sodium stock, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking. Continue cooking until the pasta has absorbed almost all of the liquid and is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the reserved brown butter to add a rich, nutty flavor. Then fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed. Serve immediately, adding extra Parmesan on top if desired for additional savory richness.
Notes
- Use low-sodium stock to control salt levels and adjust seasoning to taste at the end.
- Whole wheat gemelli pasta can be substituted with any short pasta like penne or fusilli.
- Make sure to stir frequently while the pasta cooks to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
- Brown butter adds a deep nutty flavor; do not skip this step for best results.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil and omit Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- This recipe serves 2 but can be easily doubled for more servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian