Pasta with Arugula Pesto

Directions

1. Combine the walnuts, garlic, arugula, and cilantro or basil in a food processor or blender. Whirl them just until they are coarsely chopped. While the machine is running, add the olive oil in a thin stream. Transfer the pesto to a bowl. (At this point the pesto can be frozen. Thaw it before proceeding.)
2. Stir the Parmesan cheese, salt, and cayenne into the pesto
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, and cook it, stirring occasionally, until it is just tender. Drain the pasta, return it to the empty pot, and toss it with the pesto, adding a tablespoon or two of water if necessary to distribute the pesto evenly.
4. Transfer the pasta to a serving bowl or to individual plates, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and serve.

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Reviews (12)

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20

BRIEKAESE

Oct. 8, 2003

"This was a little bit too "arugula-y" for me! Maybe it would have been improved by using more basil and less arugula. Also, this should be made with a mildly-flavored olive oil, so that the arugula ..." See moreand olive flavors aren't overwhelming. It's worth a second try, though!"

17

samaliceche

May. 13, 2007

"wow--spicy. Tastes great if you like argula. I added cottage cheese and gave one more spin thru the blender to mellow it out a bit...." See more"

11

Avon- status quo PRO

Mar. 16, 2011

"LOVED, LOVED, LOVED THIS RECIPE. I had a mix of arugula and baby spinach to use up and have seen this recipe before but never had the arugula. Well tonight was the night for something fast and easy. A..." See morelso, instead of walnuts, I used what I had on hand that being pecans. Otherwise it was as written and served with penne pasta. Thanks Jessica, it will be made again."