Ziti with Swiss Chard and Walnuts

This simple twist on ziti makes for a great combination!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves chopped garlic
• 1 1/2 trimmed and sliced Swiss chard
• 1 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 c chopped, toasted walnuts
• 1/4 c grated Parmesan
• 1/2 c ricotta

Directions

1. Cook ziti following pkg directions. Drain and reserve 1 cup cooking water.
2. Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high; add 3 cloves chopped garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in trimmed and sliced Swiss chard and 1/4 tsp each salt and black pepper; cook 8 minutes, until tender.
3. Toss pasta with chard, chopped toasted walnuts, grated Parmesan, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt and enough cooking water to create a sauce. Stir in 1/2 cup ricotta.

TIP: To change up the flavor, switch broccoli rabe for chard and diced smoked mozzarella for ricotta.

Recipe courtesy of Food Network Magazine