I have to begin this post by admitting that I don’t even like arugula all that much. So, why did I make arugula pesto? Because my CSA gave it to me, bagfuls, every week. Since I am loathe to waste food, and I am all about eating seasonally, I couldn’t without feeling guilty let it languish in my drawer any longer.
After a search through my cookbooks, I found Arugula Pesto in Everyday Italian: 125 Simple and Delicious Recipesfrom Giada. This was chosen for the simple reason that it used up the most of the dreaded arugula.
Guess what? I loved this. Loved it. Seriously. This was so ridiculously quick and easy. I bumped it up a bit by including some shredded cooked chicken when I tossed the pesto with the pasta, but it wouldn’t even really be necessary. This was so good, that I am hoping I get another bag or two of arugula this week!
Arugula Pesto
- 2 cups (packed) fresh arugula
- 1 garlic clove
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
Process the arugula and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. With the machine running, gradually add the oil, processing until well blended. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in the cheese, salt and pepper. Season with more salt and pepper to taste. (Makes enough to sauce 12 ounces of pasta as a main course).
Makes 1 cup.
This will be my entry for Heart ‘n Soul Blog Hop.
This will be my entry for I Heart Cooking Clubs!
AND
This will be my entry for this week’s Presto Pasta Nights hosted by Claire of Chez Cayenne .
Allison says
Wow. You are much braver than I. I also dread the arugula. I've made so many "alternative" pestos that have tasted like pureed lawn that I would have been afraid of this one. Maybe I'll get up the nerve to try it now...
Claudia says
Oh, I just love arugula, my favorite green, so anything with it has got to be good.
The Chef In My Head says
Sounds wonderful! I am in the courting stages with arugula, this could possibly be our first kiss. I'll let you know how it goes and if we will be seeing each other again, hehe ;-). Found you on IHCC! I love that site, it always forces me to try new things.
~LeslieMichele
Natashya KitchenPuppies says
I have only really developed a taste for arugula in the last few years. What a great pesto - I love it!
Cook of the House says
This pasta looks delicious. Chris - When I read your comment I had to laugh because the car horn (uhhh-oooooo-gah)is exactly what I think of as well! haha
Lana says
Pam, I can agree with you - arugula is not my favorite green. But if it works in pesto, I am willing to try it. I have done a lot of variations on the pesto-theme, and this one would be a refreshing change.
Claire says
I love arugula, so I know I'd love this.
Thanks for sending it in to Presto Pasta Nights.
Couscous & Consciousness says
I love, love, love arugula. I also love making my own pesto. For the life of me I don't know why I've never made arugula pesto - that's all about to change!!
Sue
Melynda says
I keep hearing about Arugula, yet have not found any in the stores (that I noticed, could be it is there!)but I think I need to find some, and if I like it, plant it! Thanks for sharing. Your dish looks so delicious.
grace says
arugula is pretty tasty, but even if it wasn't, i'd still be a fan. know why? 'cause it's called rocket across that pond, and that's just awesome. 🙂
MM says
I've never had arugula so I'm not sure if I'd share your loathsome feelings for it. Nice surprise that it worked for you in this recipe.
girlichef says
I love it when I get surprised by a food that I think I don't like! This sounds delicious pesto...I've never used arugula to make it, but youve definitely made me want to try!
Debinhawaii says
I love arugula pesto and really any pesto for that matter. 😉 This looks delicious--definitely going to tag this one to make.
Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) says
I feel the same way -- don't like arugula, but love it in pesto. Of course I put lots of cheese in the pesto, which makes everything taste better!
Christy says
I don't know if I like arugula or not - I have never tasted it, but I agree when you add anything to garlic, olive oil and Parmesan cheese it is going to taste good! Thanks for sharing this with us at the hearth and soul hop!
a moderate life says
Hi Pammi! Thanks so much for linking this lovely recipe to the hearth and soul hop this week. I adore arugula and I also tried making pesto with it earlier this summer and everyone in the family loved it. I find it a bit more tangy and zesty than the basil variety! All the best! Alex@amoderatelife
Chris says
Every time that I hear the word arugula, it makes me think of the sound an antique car's horn makes (uhhh-oooooo-gah)
Mimi says
I love arugula, but I have to admit it was not love at first bite. Can't wait to give this a try.
Mimi
Holly says
Hmmm I might have to try this pesto-I don't really care for arugula either!
Cindy says
Just seeded another row in the garden today. Love arugula salads!
Will definitely have to try this! Thanks!
mr. pineapple man says
i love arugula...but too much of it makes my stomach churn...is it only me? anyways loving the pasta and the blog!
Becks says
I find arugula quite tasty and will have to try this.
Lyndsey says
That is so good to know, so I wonder if I take some other greens that I might not like and make pesto...then presto...I might like it. I don't like to waste fodd either! I am so trying this! 😀
Amy says
I make a bunch of different pestos - sometimes I change the green, sometimes I add walnuts or pine nuts. It's a great pasta sauce.
I'm not a big Arugula fan either, but I'm not surprised this was good. Most things mixed with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan come out better on the other side!
Marjie says
I'm not a fan of arugula, either, but my oldest daughter loves it. Looks like a wonderful dish.
La Table De Nana says
We love arugula! Thanks!
Kim says
I'm so glad to hear that you tried this and liked it. It sounds delicious to me, but I love the spicy hints in arugula. Looks delish!
theUngourmet says
I have recently fallen in love with arugula. I know I would love this pasta. I make broccoli pesto a couple nights ago and it was pretty tasty too.
Have a great week!
June says
I'm with ya on the arugula but I'll be trying this. It looks great!
Joanne says
I adore arugula and if you, an arugula hater, loved this. Then what do you think will happen to ME if I eat it? Downright addiction probably. Great dish.
Chanel11 says
I think I might have to try this next week 🙂