Arugula Pesto Pasta

Name: Arugula Pesto Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 cups fresh arugula; 1/2 cup pine nuts; 2 cloves garlic; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 pound pasta of choice

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 10 min

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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If you're a fan of fresh, vibrant flavors, this Arugula Pesto Pasta will be a delightful addition to your meal rotation. It's quick to whip up, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner, yet special enough for entertaining.

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Ingredients for Arugula Pesto Pasta

Arugula is the star of this pesto, offering a peppery and slightly bitter flavor that sets it apart from basil-based versions. Pine nuts add a creamy texture and nutty undertone, while garlic gives the sauce a robust kick. Parmesan cheese brings a savory depth and creamy consistency. To bind it all together, extra-virgin olive oil provides a rich, smooth finish. A bit of salt and black pepper balances the flavors. Finally, choose your favorite pasta to serve as the perfect canvas for this vibrant sauce.

Tips & Tricks

Toast the pine nuts lightly for extra depth of flavor.
If your pesto is too thick, add a tablespoon of pasta water at a time to reach your desired consistency.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto.

Serving Suggestions

This Arugula Pesto Pasta shines with a side of crusty garlic bread or a light, citrusy salad. If you're serving it for a special occasion, a glass of chilled white wine pairs beautifully with the peppery notes of the arugula.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of nut?: Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes if pine nuts aren't available.
How do I store leftover pesto?: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for longer storage.

Arugula Pesto Pasta Recipe Walkthrough

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it's bubbling, add in your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it's just al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for now.

Next, grab your food processor. Toss in the arugula, pine nuts, and garlic cloves. Pulse these together until they're finely chopped and well combined. Now, add the grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper to the mix. With the machine running, slowly pour in the olive oil. You'll want to keep it going until everything comes together into a smooth, emulsified sauce.

With your pesto ready, it's time to bring it all together. Take the cooked pasta and toss it with your freshly made pesto sauce. Make sure the pasta is fully coated and the sauce is evenly distributed.

Serve your pasta immediately, and if you're feeling fancy, sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top for good measure.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Brings a peppery twist to traditional pesto, thanks to the arugula.
Quick and easy – ready in under 30 minutes.
Uses simple, fresh ingredients for a burst of flavor.
Perfect for customizing with your favorite pasta.

Ingredients

3 cups fresh arugula

1/2 cup pine nuts

2 cloves garlic

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 pound pasta of choice

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a food processor, combine arugula, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.

3. Add grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. With the processor running, slowly stream in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.