1. Gather Your Ingredients
Before jumping into the cooking process, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients at hand. For this recipe, you will need:
- 8 ounces of pasta (any type you prefer)
- 2 cups of fresh arugula, washed and dried
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional for some extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
2. Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Remember to aim for al dente pasta, as it will be cooked further later on. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can give a bitter taste to the dish.
4. Add the Arugula
Add the fresh arugula to the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Gently toss the arugula in the oil and garlic mixture until it wilts down. This process should take only a couple of minutes.
5. Incorporate the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the arugula. Toss everything together, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated with the garlic-infused oil and the wilted arugula. Continue stirring for another minute or two until the flavors meld together.
6. Season to Taste
Now is the time to add your preferred seasonings. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired) over the pasta dish. Remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
7. Garnish and Serve
Finally, it’s time to plate up your delicious arugula pasta! Transfer the pasta to serving dishes and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. If desired, you can drizzle some extra olive oil or add a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness. Serve it hot and enjoy!
There you have it – a step-by-step guide on how to make pasta with arugula. This recipe is perfect for those looking to incorporate more greens into their meals while maintaining great taste. Arugula’s peppery flavor pairs brilliantly with pasta, creating a dish that is both simple to make and bursting with flavors. Give it a try and delight your taste buds with this delectable pasta creation!