Pasta with Arugula

As a food lover, I often find myself on the hunt for dishes that are not only delectable but also quick to prepare. When it comes to satisfying my craving for something fresh and vibrant, Pasta with Arugula has become one of my go-to recipes. The first time I made this dish, I was captivated by the contrast of flavors and textures—the creamy ricotta cheese melds perfectly with the peppery bite of fresh arugula, all wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a dish that sings of spring, making it ideal for a sunny afternoon or a light dinner. I remember enjoying this with a glass of sparkling water, the zest of lemon dancing on my palate, making every bite a joyful experience.

Ingredients for Pasta with Arugula

Each ingredient in Pasta with Arugula plays a vital role in creating a well-rounded and delicious dish. The simplicity of the ingredients highlights their quality and freshness. Using seasonal produce not only enhances flavor but also adds color and vibrancy to your plate. Together, these key players create a delightful medley of textures and tastes.

• 8 oz. box Fiber Gourmet Light Penne: A light and healthy pasta option that provides a delightful base for this dish.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it brings a luscious texture to the sauce.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adding a nutty and salty flavor that complements the arugula.
• 1 T + 1 T extra virgin olive oil: A necessity for cooking and drizzling over the finished dish, it adds richness.
• 1 T lemon zest: A burst of citrus aroma that brightens up the flavors.
• 1 T fresh-squeezed lemon juice: Enhances the freshness and balances the creaminess of the cheeses.
• Salt and fresh ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
• 5 oz. baby arugula: Adds a peppery kick and beautiful color.
• 2 cups chopped fresh basil: A fragrant herb that elevates the dish with its aromatic essence.

Recipe Steps for Pasta with Arugula

Cooking Pasta with Arugula is a straightforward process that anyone can master. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delightful meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Let’s dive into the cooking process to create this vibrant dish.

1. Begin by filling a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. This is crucial as it helps to flavor the pasta while it cooks. Bring the water to a vigorous boil.
2. Once boiling, add the Fiber Gourmet Light Penne. Start timing the cooking process and refer to the package for the exact cooking time, which typically ranges from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your altitude.
3. While the pasta cooks, take a moment to prepare the arugula and basil. Chop them coarsely—this will enhance their flavor when sautéed later.
4. Next, zest the lemon and squeeze the juice into a small bowl, making sure to remove any seeds. The fresh lemon juice will provide a refreshing tang to the dish.
5. Measure out the Parmesan cheese and ricotta cheese, getting everything ready for the sauce.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, one tablespoon of olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well until everything is incorporated.
7. Heat another tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped arugula and basil to the pan, cooking them just until they are barely wilted—this should take about two minutes.
8. Once wilted, add the sautéed herbs to the bowl containing the cheese mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.
9. When the pasta is cooked to al dente, carefully scoop out one-third cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside for later use. Drain the pasta into a colander, allowing it to release its heat.
10. Finally, combine the hot pasta with the sauce ingredients in the mixing bowl. Gently stir, adding reserved pasta cooking water as needed to create a creamy consistency. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally garnished with extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Expert Tips about Pasta with Arugula

Mastering Pasta with Arugula is all about the nuances that elevate the dish. Here are some expert tips to ensure you achieve the best results every time.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water to revive the creaminess.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to do so before adding the sauce. Freeze cooked pasta and sauce separately for optimal texture.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables, enhancing its light and refreshing profile.
• Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like parsley or mint for a unique flavor profile.
• Protein Addition: Consider adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for a protein boost, turning this into a hearty meal.

What Complements This Pasta with Arugula

• Light salads: Serve with a refreshing mixed greens salad to balance the creaminess of the dish.
• Seasonal vegetables: Roasted asparagus or grilled zucchini are fantastic sides that enhance the flavor.
• Picnic delight: This dish is perfect for outdoor gatherings, easily transportable and equally delicious served cold.
• Lunch or dinner: It works well for any meal, making it versatile for lunch boxes or entertaining guests.
• Cheese pairings: Offer additional cheese at the table for guests to add as desired. A sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese always elevates the dish.

FAQ

Conclusion

Pasta with Arugula is not just a meal; it’s an experience that highlights the beauty of fresh ingredients and simple cooking. The combination of creamy cheese and vibrant greens creates a dish that feels both comforting and refreshing. I encourage you to try making this delightful pasta dish; it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the process of cooking and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones.

Pasta with Arugula

The ultimate comfort food, Pasta with Arugula is a fresh and vibrant dish that's perfect for any occasion. With creamy ricotta cheese, peppery arugula, and zesty lemon, this easy weeknight dinner is sure to delight your taste buds. Make it tonight for a satisfying meal!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Pasta

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz. Fiber Gourmet Light Penne
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 T extra virgin olive oil
• 1 T lemon zest
• 1 T fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• fresh ground black pepper to taste
• 5 oz. baby arugula coarsely chopped
• 2 cups fresh basil chopped

Equipment

• Skillet
• Grater
• Large Pot
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Fill a large pot with water, salt generously, and bring the water to a boil.
2. Add pasta, start timing, and cook until barely al-dente. (Check package for cooking time; Fiber Gourmet will take 10-15 minutes depending on the altitude.)
3. While pasta cooks, chop the arugula and the basil. (Wash the arugula and basil and spin dry in a salad spinner if needed.)
4. Zest the lemon (or lemons) and squeeze the juice.
5. Measure out the Parmesan cheese and Ricotta cheese.
6. In a bowl large enough to hold all the pasta and sauce, combine the Ricotta cheese, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. (I used a generous amount of pepper but not too much salt.)
7. Heat the other tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan, add the arugula and chopped basil and cook until they're barely wilted, about 2 minutes. (Stir in basil pesto if using that.)
8. Add the wilted arugula/basil mixture to the other sauce ingredients and stir to combine.
9. When pasta is al dente, scoop out 1/3 cup pasta cooking water and set aside.
10. Drain pasta into a colander placed in the sink.
11. Combine the hot pasta with sauce ingredients and stir gently, adding as much of the pasta cooking water as needed to make a creamy mixture. (I used the entire 1/3 cup of pasta water.)
12. Serve warm or room temperature, with extra freshly grated Parmesan to add at the table if desired.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water to revive the creaminess.
• Tip 2: You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to do so before adding the sauce. Freeze cooked pasta and sauce separately for optimal texture.
• Tip 3: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables, enhancing its light and refreshing profile.
• Tip 4: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like parsley or mint for a unique flavor profile.
• Tip 5: Consider adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for a protein boost, turning this into a hearty meal.

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Meet Stella Ross

I’m Stella, and I believe that even a busy Tuesday night deserves a special meal. I love taking simple pantry ingredients and turning them into something that feels like a hug in a bowl. I hope this recipe brings a little bit of coziness to your kitchen today!"