This Pasta with Arugula Pesto is a vibrant, herbaceous dish that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Made with fresh arugula, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil, this pesto is slightly spicy, totally green, and wonderfully refreshing. Tossed with al dente pasta and topped with your favorite extras, it’s a delicious alternative to traditional basil pesto — ready in just 20 minutes!
🕒 Prep Time: 10 mins
🔥 Cook Time: 10 mins
⏱️ Total Time: 20 mins
🍽️ Servings: 4
🔢 Calories per Serving: ~380
📝 Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- 🍝 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fusilli, or penne work great)
- 🧂 Salt, for boiling water
For the Arugula Pesto:
- 🌿 3 cups fresh arugula (lightly packed)
- 🧄 2 garlic cloves
- 🧀 ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🌰 ¼ cup toasted pine nuts (or walnuts/almonds)
- 🍋 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 🛢️ ⅓–½ cup olive oil
- 🧂 Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional toppings:
- 🧀 Shaved Parmesan
- 🍋 Lemon zest
- 🌶️ Crushed red pepper flakes
👩🍳 Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2️⃣ Make the Pesto
In a food processor or blender, combine arugula, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until finely chopped. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
3️⃣ Toss with Pasta
Return cooked pasta to the pot or a large bowl. Toss with arugula pesto, adding reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time to loosen the sauce and coat evenly.
4️⃣ Garnish & Serve
Plate the pasta and top with extra Parmesan, lemon zest, or crushed red pepper if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
🍯 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- ✅ Bright, peppery flavor that’s lighter than basil pesto
- ✅ Ready in 20 minutes flat
- ✅ Vegetarian, fresh, and meal-prep friendly
- ✅ Customizable with your favorite pasta shape or add-ins
- ✅ Great warm or cold — ideal for lunchboxes or picnics!
📌 Save this Pasta with Arugula Pesto recipe — it’s a zesty, green-powered dinner you’ll want all year long!