Aromatic Arugula Pesto Penne Pasta
The Perfect Harmony of Slightly Bitter Arugula and Flavorful Basil Pesto: A Healthy Pasta Dish
Introducing a healthy and delicious pasta where the slightly bitter notes of fresh arugula beautifully complement the fragrant basil pesto. This dish is not only simple but also perfect for an elegant meal, adding a touch of richness to both special occasions and everyday dining.
Essential Ingredients- A handful of fresh arugula (adjust to your preference)
- 100g penne pasta (for one serving)
- 3-4 tablespoons high-quality basil pesto (adjust to taste)
- 5-6 cloves garlic (for aromatic flavor)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for the base flavor)
Optional Ingredients- 3 plump shrimp (optional, adds richness)
- A small amount of fresh broccoli (optional, adds texture and color)
- A little fresh mozzarella cheese (optional, enhances flavor!)
- 3 plump shrimp (optional, adds richness)
- A small amount of fresh broccoli (optional, adds texture and color)
- A little fresh mozzarella cheese (optional, enhances flavor!)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, bring a generous amount of water to a boil for cooking the penne pasta (approx. 100g per serving). Once the water is at a rolling boil, add the penne and cook according to the package directions, typically around 10 minutes. Aim for ‘al dente’ for the best texture; check a piece occasionally, using the package time as a guide.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, let’s prepare the arugula. Rinse the fresh arugula 3-4 times under cold running water. Gently shake off excess water or pat dry with a paper towel.
Step 3
To infuse an aromatic garlic flavor, prepare your desired amount of garlic. Thinly slice the garlic cloves. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; sautéing until it releases its aroma is key.
Step 4
Once the garlic starts to turn a light golden brown and smells fragrant, add the prepared shrimp (if using) and sauté until cooked through. Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become tough. Cook just until they change color, then prepare to move to the next step. If you’re not using shrimp, you can skip this step.
Step 5
Drain the cooked penne pasta, letting it sit briefly in a colander to prevent it from sticking together or becoming mushy. (You can reserve 1-2 tablespoons of the pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency later.) Return the pan (with the remaining olive oil, garlic, and shrimp if used) to medium heat. Add the drained penne and lightly toss to coat it with the oil. This step coats the pasta, allowing the sauce to adhere better and maintaining its firm texture.
Step 6
Now for the star of the show: the basil pesto! Reduce the heat to low. Add 3-4 tablespoons of basil pesto to the pan and toss thoroughly with the penne until evenly coated. If you’re using broccoli, you can add it at this stage and lightly cook it with the pasta. Adjust the amount of basil pesto to your liking.
Step 7
Just before turning off the heat, sprinkle a small amount of mozzarella cheese over the pasta and let it melt slightly. The melting cheese will add a creamy texture and rich flavor to your pasta, making it even more delicious. The subtle cheese flavor will elevate the dish to a new level.
Step 8
Arrange the prepared arugula on top of the finished pasta. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or a crack of black pepper if desired. Enjoy your aromatic arugula pesto penne pasta!
