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Arugula Pesto Pasta
A peppery, vibrant twist on classic basil pesto where arugula does most of the work — its sharp, mustard-like heat gives this pesto a complexity that basil alone can't match. Made in a blender in under 5 minutes and tossed with hot pasta, this is one of those weeknight recipes that feels much more special than the effort required.
Arugula is usually ready April to October. More arugula recipes, or see what to sow this month where you are.
Ingredients
- 4 oz arugula, packed cups
- 12 oz pasta, trofie, spaghetti, or any short pasta
- ¼ cup pine nuts, toastedWalnuts or almonds work
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¾ tsp salt
Contains: cereals gluten, milk, nuts.
Method
- Cook pasta in heavily salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.About 10 min
- Meanwhile, blend arugula, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a food processor until roughly chopped. Stream in olive oil with motor running until a pesto forms.About 5 min
- Toss hot drained pasta with the pesto, adding pasta water a splash at a time to reach a silky, coating consistency.About 3 min
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.About 2 min
Tips
- The pasta water is essential — it makes the pesto silky and helps it cling to the pasta.
- Arugula pesto is stronger than basil; add a small handful of basil to mellow it if you prefer.
- Make a double batch and freeze half for future weeknights.
Ring the changes
- Toss with roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella after dressing.
- Use as a spread on crostini with ricotta.
Keeping it
Pesto keeps refrigerated with a film of olive oil on top for 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.
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More from the same crop
A summer salad that pairs the sharpest, peppery arugula with the sweetest, juiciest watermelon — they're natural counterbalances. Salty feta and a honey-lime dressing tie everything together into one of the most refreshing salads of the season. This is a crowd-pleaser at every summer gathering and takes under 15 minutes to put together.
15 min · easy · Arugula
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