Arugula Pesto Penne

This dish is a medley of bright and vibrant flavors that will transport you to the sun-drenched hills of Italy. The arugula's peppery bite is balanced by the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes and the nutty richness of the pine nuts. The creamy Parmesan cheese binds all the elements together, creating a symphony of flavors that will delight your senses.

Arugula pesto penne is a modern take on a classic Italian dish. It was first created in the early 1990s by a group of chefs in New York City who were looking for a way to add some brightness and vitality to their pasta dishes. The arugula pesto was an instant hit, and it quickly spread to restaurants across the country. Today, arugula pesto penne is a staple on many Italian restaurant menus, and it is also a popular dish to make at home.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 cup fresh arugula
• 1/2 cup fresh basil
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, make the arugula pesto. In a food processor, combine the arugula, basil, pine nuts, and olive oil. Process until smooth.
3. Drain the pasta and add it to a large bowl. Add the arugula pesto, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar. Toss to combine.
4. Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan cheese.

Why It Works

• The peppery arugula is a great way to add some bitterness to the dish, which balances out the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the cheese.
• The pine nuts add a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture to the dish.
• The Parmesan cheese binds all the elements together and creates a creamy, rich sauce.
• The balsamic vinegar adds a touch of acidity to the dish, which brightens up the flavors and makes them pop.