Sautéed Swiss Chard Ribs with Cream and Pasta

Got leftover Swiss chard ribs? Use them up in this perfect weeknight recipe.

By
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.
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Updated October 24, 2023
Elise Bauer
A bowl of creamy chard rib Pasta
Elise Bauer

The Swiss chard I planted last spring survived the winter to vigorously return this year. Last week we made a yogurt dip with the leaves of some swiss chard I picked.

The ribs from that bunch went into this dish, which was so good we ate it up before I could get a photo.

The basic recipe for the chard comes from The Victory Garden Cookbook. Just straight with the cream and butter, the chard recipe is too rich, but mixed in with pasta? It's superb!

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Elise Bauer

Sautéed Swiss Chard Ribs with Cream and Pasta

Prep Time 6 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 21 mins
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Swiss chard, yielding 2 cups of chopped ribs

  • 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter

  • 3/4 to 1 cup heavy cream

  • Enough dry pasta to make about 4 cups cooked pasta (use rice pasta if gluten-free is required)

  • Salt, to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

  1. Prepare the chard:

    Separate the ribs from the greens. Cut the ribs into 1/2-inch to 1-inch pieces. Blanch the ribs in lightly salted boiling water for 3 minutes.

  2. Cook the chard in butter and cream:

    Melt butter in a saucepan on medium heat. Add the drained, blanched chard ribs and simmer for 4 minutes. Add heavy cream and cook until cream is reduces by two-thirds.

    Swiss chard ribs sauteing in butter
    Elise Bauer
  3. Cook pasta while cream reduces:

    Cook up your pasta according to the pasta's package directions.

  4. Toss and serve:

    Mix creamed chard with pasta. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground pepper. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
534 Calories
29g Fat
57g Carbs
12g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 534
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 29g 37%
Saturated Fat 18g 89%
Cholesterol 81mg 27%
Sodium 412mg 18%
Total Carbohydrate 57g 21%
Dietary Fiber 4g 15%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 12g
Vitamin C 16mg 80%
Calcium 101mg 8%
Iron 4mg 24%
Potassium 668mg 14%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.