Swiss Chard and Goat Cheese Pasta

Now there are two ways i make this dish one with bacon and one with out. I will list both ways.

Swiss Chard and Goat Cheese Pasta

Ingredients

2 large bundles of Swiss chard, stems removed and rough chopped
1 lb of dried pasta of choice
4 Large sweet onions, halved and sliced
1 red pepper diced
3 cups of Shiitake Mushrooms, chopped
6 cloves of garlic minced
6 sprigs of Thyme, stems removed
6 oz of Goat cheese, crumbled
1/3 of cup of veggie stock (white wine will work too)
zest of one lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Now use on of the following but not both depending on which recipe you are to follow:

1 lb bacon cut into 1 inch pieces
or
1/3 of a cup of olive oil

Directions

Cook pasta as per the directions on the package, save a cup of the pasta water.

Bacon route: In a large skillet over medium high heat, render of the bacon and place on a paper towel to drain. Next place the onions and pepper into the skillet and cook for 2 minutes. Next add the mushrooms and saute until soft

Olive Oil Route: In a large skillet over medium high heat, place the olive oil, onions and peppers and 2 minutes. Next add the mushrooms and saute until soft

Now the Recipe will be the same for both: Reduce heat to medium add the garlic, thyme and stock, salt and pepper to taste and simmer until reduced by half. Now add the Swiss chard to the skillet, once it has wilted remove skillet from heat.

In a large bowl place the pasta, goat cheese and pasta water and toss to coat. Now add the onion Swiss chard mixture from the skillet and toss to combine. Top off with the lemon zest and the bacon if you went that route and you are ready to eat.

Enjoy Cooking