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Pasta with Arugula

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!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420

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.