Linguini with Arugula and Golden Garlic

Linguini with Arugula and Golden Garlic Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

Linguini with Arugula and Golden Garlic is a delicious and flavorful pasta dish that combines the peppery taste of arugula with the savory flavor of golden garlic. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special dinner with friends and family.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Italian pasta dishes that often feature garlic and greens. Arugula, also known as rocket, adds a fresh and slightly bitter flavor to the dish, while the golden garlic brings a sweet and nutty taste. This combination of ingredients creates a unique and delicious pasta dish that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

4 oz (113 g) of uncooked linguine
2 tsp of olive oil
0.25 cup of julienne cut red bell pepper
2 tsp of thinly sliced garlic
0.25 tsp of salt
0.13 tsp of crushed red pepper
1 cup of tightly packed arugula

How to prepare

Cook the pasta according to the directions, without adding salt and fat. Drain it well, while reserving 0.25 cup of the cooking liquid.
Heat the oil in a skillet over low heat, then add the bell pepper and the next 3 ingredients.
Stir occasionally and cook for 5 minutes.
Place the arugula in a large bowl.
Add the reserved cooking liquid, linguini, and the bell pepper mixture.
Toss everything well and serve it warm.

Variations

Add cooked shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.
Substitute spinach or kale for the arugula for a different flavor profile.
Stir in cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente to ensure that it has the perfect texture.

- Reserve some of the pasta cooking liquid to help create a creamy sauce when tossing the pasta with the arugula and garlic mixture.

- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to suit your taste preferences. Add more for a spicier dish or omit it entirely for a milder flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Linguini with Arugula and Golden Garlic with a side salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to toss the pasta and arugula mixture quickly to ensure that the arugula wilts slightly but remains vibrant green.

- Use a large skillet to ensure that the pasta and arugula are evenly coated with the garlic and bell pepper mixture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use spaghetti or fettuccine instead of linguine if desired.

- Substitute shallots for the garlic for a milder flavor.

- Use baby spinach or watercress instead of arugula for a different taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Cook the pasta ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

- Prepare the garlic and bell pepper mixture in advance and reheat it before tossing with the pasta and arugula.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Linguini with Arugula and Golden Garlic in individual pasta bowls for an elegant presentation. - Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a refreshing complement to the peppery arugula and garlic flavors.

- Serve with a side of garlic bread or bruschetta for a complete Italian meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the pasta from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

210

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 1g

Fats

- Total Fat: 4g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 6g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15% DV

- Vitamin C: 30% DV

- Calcium: 6% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains wheat

Summary

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein. It is also rich in vitamins A and C, as well as iron and calcium.

Summary

Linguini with Arugula and Golden Garlic is a simple yet flavorful pasta dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a combination of peppery arugula, savory garlic, and al dente linguine, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy it as a quick weeknight meal or serve it to guests for a special dinner that is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Linguini with Arugula and Golden Garlic. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Italy. My grandmother, Nonna Maria, was known throughout the village for her incredible cooking skills, and she was always eager to share her knowledge with me.

One day, as I was helping Nonna Maria prepare dinner, she pulled out a worn and stained recipe book from her cupboard. She flipped through the pages until she came to a recipe for Linguini with Arugula and Golden Garlic. Nonna Maria explained that this dish was a family favorite, passed down through generations, and she wanted to teach me how to make it.

I watched intently as Nonna Maria gathered the ingredients for the dish: linguini pasta, fresh arugula, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. She showed me how to cook the linguini until it was al dente, and then she sautéed the garlic in olive oil until it turned a beautiful golden brown. The aroma that filled the kitchen was heavenly.

Next, Nonna Maria added the cooked linguini to the pan with the garlic and olive oil, tossing it all together until the pasta was coated in the flavorful sauce. She then added the fresh arugula, allowing it to wilt slightly in the heat of the pasta. Finally, she sprinkled the dish with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese, adding a touch of salt and pepper to taste.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the Linguini with Arugula and Golden Garlic. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the nuttiness of the Parmesan, the peppery bite of the arugula, and the rich, garlicky sauce coating each strand of pasta. It was a revelation, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, always thinking of Nonna Maria and the love and care she put into teaching me how to make it. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, and it has become a favorite at dinner parties and gatherings. Every time I make Linguini with Arugula and Golden Garlic, I am transported back to that cozy kitchen in Italy, watching Nonna Maria work her magic.

As I grew older and ventured out into the world, I collected recipes from various places and people, always seeking new inspiration for my cooking. But the recipe for Linguini with Arugula and Golden Garlic has remained a constant in my life, a reminder of my roots and the traditions that have shaped me.

I have made some variations to the recipe over the years, adding cherry tomatoes or grilled shrimp for a twist on the classic dish. But no matter how I choose to prepare it, the flavors of the dish always bring me back to that first time I learned to make it with Nonna Maria.

Now, as I pass on the recipe for Linguini with Arugula and Golden Garlic to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will feel the same connection to their heritage that I do when they cook this dish. It is more than just a recipe – it is a link to the past, a way to honor the traditions of those who came before us.

And so, as I sit down to enjoy a plate of Linguini with Arugula and Golden Garlic, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons I have learned from my grandmother and the joy that cooking has brought into my life. This recipe will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and memories that have shaped me into the cook I am today.