Are you ready to elevate your pasta game with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition? Say hello to Spaghetti Arugula Almond Pesto—a vibrant Italian delight that combines the peppery freshness of arugula with the rich, nutty essence of almonds. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a sophisticated dinner party, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish! With its creamy pesto sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan, every bite will leave you craving more. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups fresh arugula
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Allow to cool slightly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine toasted almonds, garlic cloves, arugula, half of the olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until ingredients are finely chopped and well combined.
- Gradually drizzle remaining olive oil into the pesto mixture while processing until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti.
- Return drained pasta to the pot and immediately add the arugula almond pesto. Toss thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to help sauce coat the noodles evenly.
- Plate the spaghetti, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and a few fresh arugula leaves if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Perfectly Toasted Almonds: Make sure to keep an eye on the almonds while toasting them in the skillet. They can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds, so stir frequently and remove them from the heat as soon as they become fragrant.
- Salt Your Pasta Water: Don’t skimp on the salt in your pasta water; it’s your chance to infuse flavor into the spaghetti itself. Aim for a water-to-salt ratio that resembles the ocean!
- Pasta Cooking Water Magic: Remember to reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water is a secret weapon for achieving the perfect pesto consistency, helping it cling beautifully to the spaghetti.
- Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh arugula and high-quality olive oil. The freshness of the ingredients makes a significant difference in the final taste of your pesto.
- Customization: Feel free to customize your pesto! Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, or toss in some fresh basil for an extra layer of flavor. You can also experiment with other nuts like walnuts or pine nuts if you want to switch things up.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it right after tossing with the pesto to ensure the spaghetti remains warm and the flavors are at their peak.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 10mg
