Creamy Pesto Pasta with Arugula

Name: Creamy Pesto Pasta with Arugula
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces (340 g) of fettuccine or your pasta of choice; Salt (for pasta water); 2 cups (60 g) of fresh basil leaves, packed; 1/2 cup (40 g) of grated Parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup (80 ml) of extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup (60 g) of pine nuts (or walnuts); 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 1/2 cup (120 ml) of heavy cream; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups (60 g) of fresh arugula; Extra grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Craving something creamy and delicious? Try my homemade recipe for Creamy Pesto Pasta with Arugula. It’s an easy weeknight meal bursting with flavor!

October 24, 2024
by Savvy Spoon.
Updated March 3, 2025

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Table of Contents

Discovering Creamy Pesto Pasta with Arugula

Oh my gosh, do you ever have those nights when you want something super delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? i totally get you! last week, after a long day, i wanted something comforting but simple.

That's when i whipped up creamy pesto pasta with arugula . not only was it a hit, but it also quickly became one of my favorite weeknight dinner ideas .

Let me share how this dish became a staple in my kitchen!

A Flavorful Journey

This dish is rooted in rustic italian cooking, channeling the delightful essence of traditional garlic pesto pasta . pesto sauce hails from genoa, where fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and cheese unite in perfect harmony.

Over time, this beloved sauce has inspired many variations, even combining with creamy elements. today, this creamy pesto pasta has gained popularity across the culinary landscape, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite at family dinners, potlucks, and cozy gatherings.

When it comes to the time commitment , fear not! you’ll only need about 25 minutes in total. yes, you read that right! it's an easy pasta dish that anyone can tackle, whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting.

Plus, it serves four people, making it a budget-friendly option—especially when you look at how flavorsome it is!

Why You’ll Love It

Let’s talk benefits, shall we? this healthy pasta recipe packs a punch with nutrition, thanks to the fresh arugula . the peppery greens not only add a crisp contrast but also bring loads of vitamins to the table.

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option that’s filling yet invigorating, this dish does the trick.

What makes it even more special? the creamy sauce! you get that rich lusciousness without being overly heavy. it’s a perfect balance that allows you to enjoy the nutty richness of homemade pesto sauce alongside the refreshing bite from the arugula.

Honestly, you won't miss the meat!

You can serve it at a dinner party or for a cozy family night and watch it disappear, plate by plate.

Pair it with grated parmesan toppings and you’ll have a dish that feels gourmet without the fuss. and if you're looking to impress, consider serving it with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to really elevate the meal!

What You Need to Get Started

Now, if you're itching to dive into cooking, let's get to the good part—the ingredients! to make this delightful one-pot pasta meal , you’ll be blending basil, garlic, cream, and parmesan to create your luscious sauce.

The pasta cooking tips you need will be mentioned in the ingredient section right after this—so stay tuned! this dish embodies the beauty of fresh and simple ingredients, making it a notable in any italian-inspired lineup.

So, are you ready to bring this flavor-enhancing dish to your kitchen? Grab your pots and pans because we’re about to dig into the ingredient list for this simple and delicious recipe !

Creamy Pesto Pasta with Arugula ingredients

Essential Ingredients Guide for Creamy Pesto Pasta with Arugula

Alright, folks. let’s talk about the backbone of any great dish— the ingredients . whether you’re whipping up a classic creamy pesto pasta with arugula or any of those other delicious creamy pasta recipes , knowing what to use and how to treat each component can truly make or break your meal.

Grab a comfy seat because we’re diving in!

Premium Core Components

When you're making something as tasty as pesto , it’s essential to grab only the best ingredients. Here's the scoop on powerful players in your creamy pesto journey:

Fresh Basil : Aim for 2 cups (60 g) if you want that big, bold flavor. Look for vibrant green leaves without any browning . Those tiny bruises? Yuck.
Garlic : You'll need about two cloves. Fabulously aromatic, fresh garlic makes everything pop. Plus, nothing like its zing to boost layers of flavor.
Parmesan Cheese : You're looking for 1/2 cup (40 g) grated. It should have that nutty scent—don’t skimp; quality matters!
Nuts : Traditionally pine nuts are the star. 1/4 cup (60 g) is what you need. Can't find them? Walnuts work too. But get them fresh, please! Otherwise, you’ll miss that buttery richness.
Heavy Cream : This adds the creaminess. Use 1/2 cup (120 ml) . Trust me—no one does creamy quite like cream!

Storage and Freshness Tips

Now that you’ve got your ingredients, let’s talk storage. Freshness is key ! Here’s how to keep your greens vibrant and your cheeses tasty:

Herbs : Store basil in a glass of water, cover it loosely with a plastic bag, and place it in the fridge. Or better yet, keep it in a sunny windowsill.
Cheese : Wrap it tightly to avoid drying. It loves to snuggle up in parchment or wax paper.
Nuts : Keep ’em sealed and in the fridge to avoid stale snacks.

Signature Seasoning Blend

Alright, now let’s dive into creating that signature flavor for your creamy pesto.

Essential Combinations : Toss your basil, garlic, and pine nuts into the blender. That’s your flavor base right there! Pure magic as it all melds together.
Region Twists : Ever tried adding sun-dried tomatoes for a dash of Italian flair? Go wild! Swap pine nuts for seeds if you're feeling nut-free.

Smart Substitutions

Now, we all know life gets hectic, and sometimes you need a quick dinner recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Here’s the lowdown on making smart swaps:

Pasta : Don’t have fettuccine? Any pasta works— penne, spaghetti, you name it!
Heavy Cream : Swap it out for a lighter cream or yogurt if you want it less rich. You’ll still get that creaminess without the guilt .
Nuts : Allergic? Go ahead and use sunflower seeds. These nut-free pesto alternatives get the job done!

Kitchen Equipment Essentials

Before we start cooking up a storm, let’s talk about the tools you’ll need. You want to be prepared for your one-pot pasta meal !

Blender or Food Processor : This is where the pesto magic happens. Can’t stress this enough!
Large Pot : For boiling your pasta, obviously.
Skillet : You’ll need it for warming up the creamy sauce. Non-stick is your best bud here.
Measuring Cups & Spoons : You’d be amazed how much better your pesto will come out when you measure stuff correctly.

And We’re Ready to Cook!

Now that you’re equipped with your ingredients and knowledge, it's time to shine! you’re about to cook creamy pesto pasta with arugula like a pro.

The fresh ingredients will sing, and you’ll be serving up a dish that’s both simple and delicious! whether you whip this up for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, it’s a recipe that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

So, roll up your sleeves! Time to get cooking.

Get Ready for a Delicious Cook Creamy Pesto Pasta with Arugula Adventure

Alright, my fellow home cooks! let’s talk about how to whip up a delicious creamy pesto pasta with arugula . seriously, this dish is like a warm hug at dinner and perfect for those busy weeknights.

You know what i mean? remember the last time you stood in front of the fridge, scratching your head, asking "what am i gonna make?" this recipe is here to save you.

Essential Preparation Steps

First thing’s first: mise en place . it’s just fancy chef talk for having everything ready before you start. grab your ingredients— fresh basil , parmesan , heavy cream , and all that good stuff.

Chop, measure, and set everything out!

Now, let’s dive into time management . The magic here is knowing when to multitask, like boiling your pasta while you blend the pesto. You know, keep it moving!

Organization is also key. keep your workspace tidy. i mean, nobody wants a chaotic kitchen, right? trust me, the last thing you want is to knock over a jar of nuts all over the floor when you’re already running late.

And remember, safety matters! Keep that cutting board stable and your knife skills sharp. You'll thank me later.

Step-by-Step Process

Ready for the fun part? Here we go!

Cook the pasta : fill up a large pot with salted water (don’t skimp on the salt—this is where your pasta gets flavor!).

Bring it to a rolling boil, then toss in 12 ounces of fettuccine . let it cook for about 9- 11 minutes until it’s al dente.

Always trust the package instructions! don’t forget to reserve half a cup of that starchy pasta water before you drain.
Make the pesto : in a blender, throw in 2 cups of fresh basil leaves , 1/2 cup of grated parmesan , 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil , 1/4 cup of nuts (pine nuts or walnuts!), and 2 cloves of minced garlic .

Blend it all together until it’s beautifully green and smooth.
Add cream to pesto : heat up a large skillet over medium heat. whisk in 1/2 cup of heavy cream until it’s warm, then stir in your freshly made pesto.

Oh my gosh, your kitchen is going to smell amazing right now!
Combine everything : toss in your cooked pasta, and use that reserved pasta water to help you achieve the perfect creamy texture.

You want it luscious, but not drowning! now, fold in 2 cups of fresh arugula until it lightly wilts from the heat.
Serve it Up : Plate that gorgeous creamy pesto pasta and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. What’s not to love?

Expert Techniques

Let’s geek out for a moment, shall we?

For temperature control , keep your cream warm but not boiling—like a gentle simmer is all you need! If things are getting too hot, you risk curdling your cream. That’s a bummer.

Now, some quality checkpoints : Take a taste before you add more salt or pepper. You want to make sure that creamy wonderfulness is seasoned just right.

If you run into problems (like an overly thick sauce), don't stress! just add a splash more of that reserved pasta water until it's right where you want it.

And remember, play around with your flavors! a dash of lemon juice can brighten it up if you feel it's missing something.

Success Strategies

Oh, and here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Don’t forget to taste as you go! This is YOUR pasta, after all.
Don’t overcook your pasta. You want that al dente goodness.
If you can, make the pesto ahead of time. It stores well in the fridge and can even be frozen!

Wrapping It Up

This creamy pesto pasta with arugula isn't just a dish; it’s a whole vibe. it brings the rich, comforting feel of hearty italian cooking , while still being light and fresh because of the arugula.

Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying solo (no judgment!).

Ready to dive in? Get your pots and pans out and let’s get cooking. Trust me, this quick dinner recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Stay tuned for more additional information , like variations, substitutions, and pairing suggestions! You’ll never run out of ways to make this dish your own. Happy cooking!

Pro Tips & Secrets for Cooking Your Creamy Pesto Pasta with Arugula

Alright, folks! let’s dive into the secrets of the trade for making that dreamy creamy pesto pasta with arugula . i’ve got some pro tips from the kitchen trenches that i wish i had known sooner.

First off, don’t be shy with your ingredients! when it comes to homemade pesto sauce , make sure that your basil is fresh.

I mean, it’s the star of this show! this isn’t just any old sauce — you want every bite to burst with flavor, you know?

Also, if you’re tight on time, blend up a big batch of fresh basil pesto ahead of time. store it in a mason jar with a drizzle of olive oil on top to keep it fresh for a week.

Trust me, when you want to whip up an easy pasta dish, this will save your day!

And here’s a little flavor enhancement tip: a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can brighten everything up.

It's like a flavor explosion! plus, don't forget the grated parmesan toppings right before you dive into your bowl.

Perfect Presentation: Making Your Dish Stand Out

Now, let's talk about how to make that creamy pasta not just delicious, but also eye-catching . plating can be an art.

A sprinkle of arugula salad strategically placed on top can bring a whole new vibe to your dish.

When you serve it, twirl the pasta into a neat nest on your plate. use a pair of tongs for this part — it’s a game changer! drizzle a bit of extra pesto sauce around the plate for that swanky look.

And hey, don’t forget color combinations; a splash of cherry tomatoes or bright bell peppers can elevate your dish visually.

Remember, we eat first with our eyes!

Storage & Make-Ahead for Busy Nights

Life can be crazy busy, right? i get it! here's the scoop on storage: you can make your creamy pesto pasta with arugula ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days, but honestly, it’s best to enjoy it the first day to savor all those flavors.

If you’re making the pesto, it can hang out in the fridge for up to a week. just add a splash of cream and toss it with your pasta when you're ready to eat.

For reheating, a quick spin in the microwave is usually enough. a touch of reserved pasta water can help bring it back to life if it seems a little dry.

Get Creative: Variations to Make This Your Own

Alright, let’s get creative! maybe you want to switch things up a tad. consider some flavor adaptations. if you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the traditional pesto with nutty paste for a sun-dried tomato version ! it’ll blow your mind.

For those of you on a vegetarian kick, toss in some roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers directly into your pasta mix.

Seasonal twists like adding in some pumpkin puree in fall or a handful of asparagus in spring can keep this dish feeling fresh and exciting throughout the year.

Complete Nutrition Guide: Eating Smart

You’re probably wondering about the nutritional side of things. This Creamy Pesto Pasta packs about 500 calories per serving , which isn’t too bad considering it’s super filling, and hey, comfort food can be a part of healthy eating too!

Pro tip: for healthier pasta recipes, you could opt for whole grain or chickpea pasta. you’ll get those extra fiber benefits.

And if you’re looking into dairy-free options , there’s always room for alternative milks or cream!