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Arugula Pesto Pasta Recipe

Arugula Pesto Pasta Recipe

This Arugula Pesto Pasta Recipe combines fresh arugula pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and perfectly cooked pasta for a vibrant, flavorful meal. It's quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners, summer gatherings, or light family meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz Spaghetti or Bucatini Pasta Cook al dente
  • 3 cups Fresh Arugula For pesto
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Basil Leaves
  • 1/3 cup Pine Nuts Toasted if desired
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated
  • 1/3 cup Olive Oil
  • 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes Halved
  • 8 oz Mozzarella Pearls
  • 1 tsp Salt Or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Or to taste
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese For serving

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Food processor
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Add arugula, basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper to a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Transfer the warm pasta to a large mixing bowl and toss with the arugula pesto.
  4. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  5. Fold in the mozzarella pearls and cherry tomatoes.
  6. Add a handful of fresh arugula and gently toss.
  7. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with extra Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and freshly cracked black pepper.

Notes

Notes
  • Toast the pine nuts for deeper flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water before draining for a silky pesto sauce.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best taste and texture.
  • Serve immediately for maximum freshness.
  • Leftover pesto can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Protein: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 4g