Penne with Swiss Chard and Garlic

This dish can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Ingredients

1 lb	Swiss chard, stems cut from leaves, stems and leaves
	chopped separately
1/8 tsp	dried hot red pepper flakes, or to taste
3 large	garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 tbsp	olive oil
1/2 cup	water
1 cup	drained canned tomatoes, chopped
1/2 lb	penne or other tubular pasta
1/4 cup	freshly grated Parmesan plus additional as an accompaniment

Directions

1. Rinse and drain separately the Swiss chard stems and leaves. In a large heavy skillet cook the red pepper flakes and the garlic in the oil over moderate heat, stirring, until the garlic is pale golden. 2. Add the stems and 1/4 cup of the water and cook the mixture, covered, for 5 minutes, or until the stems are just tender. Add the leaves with the remaining 1/4 cup water and salt and pepper to taste and cook the mixture, covered, for 5 minutes. 3. Stir in the tomatoes and cook the mixture, covered, for 3 minutes, or until the leaves are tender. 4. While the chard is cooking, in a large pot of salted water boil the penne until it is al dente and drain it in a colander. In a large bowl toss the penne with the chard mixture and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Serve with the additional cheese. Makes 2 servings.

Source: http://www.epicurious.com