Bacon and Swiss Chard Pasta

We had another big bunch of swiss chard in our CSA veggies this week, so I wanted to do something new.  A lot of the greens recipes I've found include bacon as an accent, because when you're getting all those healthy vitamins and minerals, you want to balance it out a bit.  Plus, bacon is really just a salty condiment.  


This is another quick meal, maybe 20 minutes of cooking time.  Good thing since I realized at 9:15 at night that I needed to make something for the next day.  I do that a lot.  


Bacon and Swiss Chard Pasta
recipe from Bon Appetit
Ingredients:

1 pound linguine - I used whole wheat spaghetti

12 ounces bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch slices

1 very large red onion, halved, sliced (about 6 cups) - I used vidalia

2 large bunches Swiss chard, stemmed, chopped (about 12 cups)

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
In a large saute pan or pot, cook bacon until crispy.  Remove and drain on paper towels.
Discard all but 2 Tablespoons of the bacon grease.  
Saute onion for about 5 minutes until softened. 
Add in swiss chard and the reserved pasta water.
Cover and allow chard to wilt for a few minutes.
Stir in pasta, bacon, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil.
Top with parmesan cheese for serving.


I halved the recipe and it made four servings.