Zesty Arugula and Garlic Penne

After a long day, there’s nothing better than a great home-cooked meal. However, there’s nothing worse than “working” hard in the kitchen to create a great meal. Many pasta dishes require only a few ingredients and can be on the table in 20 to 30 minutes. Boil the pasta, prepare a simple sauce, toss it all together, and dinner is ready.

Arugula and Garlic Penne follow that protocol, and, better yet, they will leave you with a restaurant-quality dish in under 30 minutes. This dish is a testament to the beauty of minimalism in cooking while highlighting the rustic flavors of the Italian countryside. Here’s a layered description of this beautiful dish:

Penne: Penne is a quintessential pasta shape. Its tubular and ridged shape makes it perfect for clinging to flavors and textures. When cooked al dente, it provides a delightful chewiness that stands as the dish’s foundation.

Garlic: With its aromatic depth, garlic becomes the soul of the dish. When sautéed in extra virgin olive oil, its pungent nature softens, enveloping the penne in a robust and heartwarming embrace.

Arugula: Known for its peppery undertones, arugula introduces a fresh and slightly spicy dimension to the pasta. With its vibrant hue, this leafy green also presents a visual contrast, adding a splash of color amidst the earthy tones of the dish.

Lemon Juice & Zest: These citrus elements are the behind-the-scenes stars that elevate the dish from the ordinary to the sublime. Lemon juice imparts a tangy brightness, while the zest adds a concentrated burst of citrus aroma and flavor. Together, they bring a refreshing lightness to the pasta, cutting through the richness of the other elements while adding a sun-kissed Mediterranean touch.

Crushed Red Pepper: This addition introduces a subtle heat, creating a playful undercurrent of spice that intrigues the palate and complements the zesty lemon and peppery arugula.

Parmesan Cheese: Grated over pasta, Parmesan cheese imparts a rich, salty, and umami-packed layer. Its aged and crumbly texture enhances the dish’s complexity, ensuring every bite is packed with depth. As the cheese warms over the pasta, its rich and nutty flavors become even more pronounced, clinging to every forkful.

Pine Nuts: These small, delicate nuts are the crowning jewels of the dish. Pine nuts exude a buttery flavor and offer a subtle crunch when toasted. Their golden appearance and creamy taste introduce a luxurious element, complementing the other ingredients and adding a rewarding layer of texture.

Together, these ingredients create a delightful symphony of flavors and textures. The soft, chewy penne noodles dance with the aromatic garlic and vibrant fresh arugula. At the same time, the nutty nuances of Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts elevate the dish to a gourmet experience. Every forkful promises a journey through the rustic countryside of Italy, with subtle hints of luxury, making it suitable for any occasion but particularly pleasing for a quick weeknight meal.

Zesty Arugula and Garlic Penne

Recipe by Kyle Taylor

5.0 from 2 votes

Course: MainsCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Total time

25

minutes

Garlic Arugula Penne is a light and flavorful pasta dish made with sautéed garlic, fresh arugula, and a bright lemon zest, tossed with Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts. This simple yet delicious meal combines a balance of savory, nutty, and zesty flavors for a fresh and satisfying bite.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces penne pasta

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 5 cloves of garlic, minced

• 3 cups fresh arugula

• 1 lemon, juiced and zested

• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated

• 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

Directions

• Cook the Pasta:
  Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
• Sauté the Garlic:
  Heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or pan. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it’s fragrant and slightly golden, 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic. If in doubt, turn the heat down.
• Create the Sauce:
  Stir in the reserved pasta water into the garlic and oil mixture, allowing it to emulsify into a sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Combine Ingredients:
  Add the penne and fresh arugula to the skillet. Combine well, allowing the greens to wilt slightly from the heat of the pasta and the sautéd garlic.
• Add Flavorings:
  Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
• Serve:
  Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy.