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Spaghetti with Arugula Pesto

Spaghetti with Arugula Pesto is a quick, healthy, and delicious Italian dish. The peppery flavor of arugula pairs perfectly with garlic, parmesan, and olive oil, creating a creamy pesto sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti. This recipe is versatile and allows for many variations, such as adding lemon zest or substituting pine nuts with walnuts. Whether you're preparing a casual dinner or hosting a gourmet meal, this recipe is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and easy preparation.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 14gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Equipment

  • Pot For boiling spaghetti
  • Blender or Food Processor For making pesto
  • Skillet Optional, for toasting pine nuts

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 400 g spaghetti Uncooked
  • 100 g fresh arugula Washed and dried
  • 50 g grated parmesan cheese
  • 30 g pine nuts Toasted
  • 2 cloves garlic Peeled
  • 80 ml extra virgin olive oil
  • salt and pepper To taste
  • cherry tomatoes Optional, for garnish
Spaghetti with Arugula Pesto

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Wash and dry the arugula. Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet until fragrant. Grate parmesan cheese and prepare a blender or food processor.

Cooking

  • Cook spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
  • In a blender or food processor, combine arugula, toasted pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, salt, and pepper. Blend while slowly adding olive oil until smooth.
  • Mix the cooked spaghetti with the pesto sauce. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
  • Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan, cherry tomatoes, or arugula leaves. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations

This dish is best served immediately. Leftover pesto can be refrigerated for up to three days in an airtight container.
Keyword Arugula Pesto, Healthy Italian Recipe, Italian Pasta, Quick Dinner, Spaghetti Recipe, Vegetarian Pesto
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