To begin, gather the following ingredients:
– 200 grams of pasta (any type you prefer)
– 2 cups of fresh arugula leaves, washed and dried
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Once you have all the ingredients ready, let’s move on to the cooking process:
Step 1: Boil the pasta
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water, then carefully add the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually around 8-12 minutes, or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Step 2: Sauté the garlic and arugula
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown or burn. Once the garlic is fragrant, add the arugula leaves to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the leaves are wilted, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Combine the pasta and arugula
Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it, reserving a small amount of the cooking water. Transfer the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sautéed arugula and garlic. Toss the pasta with the arugula mixture, adding a splash of the reserved cooking water if needed to loosen the sauce. This will help bind the flavors together and coat the pasta evenly.
Step 4: Season and garnish
Season the pasta and arugula dish with salt and pepper according to your taste. The arugula provides a naturally peppery flavor, so adjust the seasoning accordingly. You can also sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of flavor and creaminess.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Transfer the cooked arugula and pasta onto individual serving plates or a large platter if you are serving it family-style. Serve the dish warm and enjoy it on its own as a scrumptious vegetarian meal or pair it with grilled meat or seafood for a more substantial option. This dish also pairs well with a crisp white wine.
Cooking arugula together with pasta results in a delicious and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. This simple recipe allows the peppery flavor of the arugula to shine through, complementing the pasta beautifully. So, give it a try and savor the delightful combination of flavors in this easy-to-make dish.