PASTA WITH SWISS CHARD

8 oz. penne or rigatoni, cooked and drained

2 tbsps olive oil

1/2 onion, chopped

4 oz. mushrooms, sliced

2-3 cloves garlic, finely minced

large bunch of Swiss chard, stems removed and coarsely chopped

1/2 c. red or white wine, or chicken stock

1 cup crushed tomatoes

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

2 tbsps pine nuts, lightly toasted

salt and pepper to taste

Heat the oil in a large skillet and sauté the onion until clear. Add the mushrooms and cook for a couple of minutes. Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes, wine or stock, red pepper and salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Add the chopped Swiss chard and pine nuts. Continue cooking until chard wilts. Immediately add cooked pasta. Toss to coat. Serve immediately with freshly grated parmesan, romano or asiago cheese.

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I've made this a couple of times this week and it's really good. The amounts given in the recipe can vary - i mean, what is a "large" bunch of Swiss chard? :) Dh wanted more mushrooms the second time i made it. I used the chicken broth in those little cardboard containers, and since i had no pine nuts, i threw in some sunflower seeds. Enjoy!