Tortelloni with Swiss Chard and Parmesan Cream Sauce
Category: Pasta Dishes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tortelloni | 400g |
| Swiss Chard (Bietole) | 230g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Dried Chili Pepper | 2 pieces |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | As needed |
| Fresh Heavy Cream | 250g |
| Parmesan Reggiano DOP (Grated) | 100g |
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Swiss Chard
Begin by prepping the Swiss chard. First, remove the stalks and cut the leaves into small strips. Set aside.
Step 2: Sautéing the Swiss Chard
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic clove (peeled) and dried chili peppers to infuse the oil with flavor. Sauté for a minute until fragrant, then add the Swiss chard strips to the pan. Stir occasionally and cook for about 10 minutes, until the chard is tender and slightly wilted.
Step 3: Making the Parmesan Cream Sauce
While the Swiss chard is cooking, prepare the Parmesan cream sauce. Pour the fresh cream into a saucepan and heat over medium temperature. Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly with a whisk to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Remove from heat once the sauce has thickened and is perfectly blended.
Step 4: Cooking the Tortelloni
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortelloni and cook according to the package instructions. Once cooked al dente, drain the pasta and reserve a small amount of pasta water.
Step 5: Combining the Dish
Transfer the cooked tortelloni directly into the skillet with the sautéed Swiss chard. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is coated with the chard and infused with the garlic and chili oil. Add the Parmesan cream sauce to the skillet and continue tossing until the pasta is evenly coated and well mixed. If needed, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta better.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serving
Once everything is well combined, transfer the tortelloni to serving plates. If you like, drizzle a little more of the Parmesan cream sauce on top for extra richness. Serve immediately and enjoy your tortelloni with Swiss chard and Parmesan cream sauce, a truly comforting and flavorful dish!
Tips:
- For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a handful of toasted pine nuts on top before serving.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a light white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the richness of the Parmesan cream sauce.
