Get ready to transform your dinner table with this mouthwatering Fresh Tomato and Arugula Pasta that promises to be your new summer obsession! In just 30 minutes, you'll create a vibrant, restaurant-quality dish that combines the juicy sweetness of ripe tomatoes, the peppery kick of arugula, and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast, this Italian-inspired recipe will become your go-to meal for those nights when you want something quick, delicious, and impressively fresh.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups arugula
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the fresh tomatoes by washing and chopping them into small, bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped tomatoes in a large serving bowl.
- Wash the arugula thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Roughly chop or tear the arugula leaves into smaller pieces.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Immediately transfer the hot pasta to the bowl with chopped tomatoes. Drizzle olive oil over the pasta and tomatoes.
- Add the fresh arugula to the pasta and tomatoes. Toss everything gently to combine and allow the heat from the pasta to slightly wilt the arugula.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce.
- Serve immediately while the pasta is still warm, ensuring an even distribution of tomatoes and arugula in each serving.
Tips
- Choose Ripe Tomatoes: Select fresh, in-season tomatoes for the most intense flavor. Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes work best.
- Salt Your Pasta Water: Make sure to generously salt your boiling water - this is your first chance to add flavor to the pasta.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save a bit of pasta water before draining. Its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients bind together.
- Work Quickly: Toss the hot pasta with tomatoes and arugula immediately to allow the heat to slightly wilt the greens and meld the flavors.
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil: Since this recipe is simple, the quality of your olive oil can make a significant difference in the overall taste.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente - it should have a slight bite and won't become mushy when mixed with other ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 287kcal
Carbohydrates: 46g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
