Pasta with Tomatoes and Chard

Last night was one of those evenings that I simply did not want to make dinner!  I was so tempted to order a pizza, but then took a little stroll out to my garden.  We have had little rain, and I have been very lazy in watering, so my garden is pretty sad looking right now, but I was able to harvest some beautiful cherry tomatoes and gorgeous swiss chard.

I decided to buckle down and throw some dinner together, so I put a pan of pasta on to boil, added some olive oil & garlic to a sauté pan, washed and roughly chopped the chard, and cut the tomatoes in half.  Pasta with Tomatoes and Chard was born.

It was awesome & so simple.  The swiss chard became almost buttery tasting, and the tomatoes added a sweetness and helped form a light sauce.  It was the perfect simple summer supper!

Pasta with Tomatoes & Chard

1/2 lb. pasta
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp dried basil*
1/4 cup olive oil
3 large leaves swiss chard, ribs cut out & roughly chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
salt & pepper to taste
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Parmesan cheese, shaved (optional)

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Boil pasta according to package directions.  Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat a sauté pan on medium heat.  Add olive oil & garlic.  Let garlic soften, then add basil & swiss chard.  Cook for 5-10 minutes, until chard shrinks and softens & turns a dark green color.  Add tomatoes.  Cook 2 minutes more.  Season well with salt and pepper.

Serve tomatoes & chard on top of pasta.  Top with parmesan cheese if desired.

(*if you have fresh basil, add it with tomatoes at the end.)