Are you looking for a wholesome, family-friendly meal that’s both delicious and nutritious? Look no further! This Simple Pasta with Swiss Chard & Butternut Squash is the perfect dish to bring everyone together at the dinner table. Bursting with flavor and vibrant colors, it’s a great way to incorporate seasonal vegetables into your diet.

Watch how I make this pasta dish in the video below, right from the timestamp!

Why This Recipe Works for a Family

This Simple Pasta with Swiss Chard & Butternut Squash is a hit for several reasons:

1. Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with vitamins and minerals from Swiss chard and winter squash, this pasta dish offers a balanced meal.
2. Kid-Friendly: The natural sweetness of the roasted squash pairs beautifully with the slight bitterness of Swiss chard, making it appealing to even picky eaters.
3. Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in under 45 minutes.
4. Versatile: Easily adaptable to various dietary preferences and restrictions.

Ingredients for this Simple Pasta with Swiss Chard & Butternut Squash

To make this flavorful Simple Pasta with Swiss Chard & Butternut Squash, you will need:

• 1 pound of pasta pasta (rigatoniy, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 bunch of Swiss chard, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a little heat

Preparation

1. Cook the Squash:
   • Heat a large skillet with olive oil. Toss in cubed squash and season with salt and pepper. Sautee for 5-7 minutes until soft and caramelized.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   • While the squash is roasting, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Swiss Chard:
   • In the same skillet, add the onion and cook until translucent.
   • Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for another minute.
   • Stir in the Swiss chard and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
4. Combine and Serve:
   • Add the pasta to the skillet with the Swiss chard and butternut squash. Toss to combine.
   • Gradually add reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
   • Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve hot.

You may be interested in…

• Catholic Feast Day Recipes for July
• Pasta with Swiss Chard and Andouille Chicken Sausage
• Sweet Butternut Squash with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
• Cotoletta (Chicken Cutlet Italian-Style)
• Pasta al Tonno (Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce)

Tips and Variations

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, sausage, or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Cheese Swap: Try feta or goat cheese instead of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
• Veggie Variations: Substitute Swiss chard with kale or spinach, and butternut squash with acorn or delicata squash.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly.

Catholic Feast Days to Enjoy this Simple Pasta with Swiss Chard & Butternut Squash

This Simple Pasta with Swiss Chard & Butternut Squash is ideal for celebrating various Catholic feast days, particularly those emphasizing simplicity and gratitude for seasonal harvests. Try this dish for the following Feast Days and Seasons:

Early Spring

Saint Benedict (March 21)
Saint Isidore (April 4)
Saint Athanasius of Alexandria (May 2)
Saint George (May 6)

Autumn

Michaelmas (September 29)
Saint Therese of Lisieux (October 1)
Saint Teresa of Avila (October 15)
Saint Martin (November 11)

Make-Ahead Tips 

Though I recommend this meal be made on the spot, you can prep the veggies earlier in the week. Chop the Swiss chard and store it in a bag with a damp paper towel to keep it fresh until use. Cube the butternut squash and place it in an air-tight container in the fridge.

What to Do with Leftovers

Leftovers of this Simple Pasta with Swiss Chard & Butternut Squash can be just as delightful:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.
• Revamp: Turn leftovers into a pasta bake. Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden.

Have you tried this Simple Pasta with Swiss Chard & Butternut Squash? Let us know below!

This Simple Swiss Chard and Winter Squash Pasta is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of the season with your family. Its simplicity and versatility make it a go-to recipe for any busy weeknight or special occasion. Enjoy!

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Simple Pasta with Swiss Chard & Butternut Squash

a perfect dish for early spring of autumn harvests!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course pasta, vegetables

Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean

Servings 46

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb pasta (rigatoniy, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 bunch Swiss chard, stems removed and leaves chopped3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbspn extra virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper, to taste
• red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

 

• Heat a large skillet with olive oil. Toss in cubed squash and season with salt and pepper. Sautee for 5-7 minutes until soft and caramelized.
• While the squash is cooking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the onion and cook until translucent.
• Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for another minute.
• Stir in the Swiss chard and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
• Add the pasta to the skillet with the Swiss chard and butternut squash. Toss to combine.
• Gradually add reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
• Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve hot.

Keyword pasta with butternut squash and peas, pasta with swiss chard and sausage, Simple Pasta with Swiss Chard & Butternut Squash, swiss chard pasta, winter squash pasta