Swiss Chard and Chickpea Pasta with Grape Tomatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick sauté of tender swiss chard, chickpeas, and sweet grape tomatoes tossed with pasta for a healthy weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 6 cups chopped swiss chard to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until wilted and tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas and 1 cup halved grape tomatoes, cooking for 2 more minutes until tomatoes soften.
  5. Step 5: Add drained pasta to the skillet along with 2 tbsp lemon juice and 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Swiss Chard and Chickpea Pasta with Grape Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Swiss Chard and Chickpea Pasta with Grape Tomatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Swiss Chard and Chickpea Pasta with Grape Tomatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Swiss Chard and Chickpea Pasta with Grape Tomatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Swiss Chard and Chickpea Pasta with Grape Tomatoes vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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