Enjoy this quick and flavorful Italian dish: mezze penne with red pesto and arugula, ready in just 15 minutes!

Mezze Penne with Red Pesto and Arugula

Looking for a quick and tasty Italian recipe? We have the perfect option for you: mezze penne with red pesto and arugula! Simple and flavorful, this dish is ideal for tantalizing your taste buds during warm days when you prefer not to spend too much time in the kitchen. The sun-dried tomato pesto is prepared in just a few minutes and wraps around the pasta with its rustic and creamy texture. The slight bitterness of arugula adds freshness, beautifully complementing the strong flavor of the pesto, creating a light and delicious dish.

If you like, you can also prepare the mezze penne with red pesto and arugula in advance and serve them at room temperature for a family dinner or a buffet!

Ingredients

• 320 g mezze penne
• 150 g sun-dried tomatoes
• 50 g pine nuts
• 60 ml extra virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove
• 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
• 150 g fresh arugula
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the mezze penne in boiling salted water until al dente, according to package instructions.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pour in the olive oil gradually while blending until creamy.
3. Drain the pasta and reserve some cooking water. Return the pasta to the pot and mix it with the red pesto, adding a little pasta water if necessary for a creamy consistency.
4. Stir in the fresh arugula and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with extra pine nuts if desired.

Total Time

15 minutes

Cuisine

Italian