
Arugula Lemon Pesto Pasta
Peppery arugula and bright lemon in a nut-free pesto — fresh, sharp, and perfect with spring vegetables.
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
10 min
Servings
4
Calories
380
Ingredients
- 400 g pasta (your choice of shape)
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 0.33 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Instructions
- 1
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- 2
Prepare the Base
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- 3
Build the Sauce
Add the main sauce ingredients to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavours meld together, about 3-5 minutes.
- 4
Combine
Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss vigorously, adding pasta water as needed to achieve a silky consistency that coats every strand.
- 5
Serve
Plate immediately and garnish with fresh herbs and freshly grated cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
Chef's Notes
“I never cook pesto — I toss it with hot pasta off the heat. Cooking turns basil brown and bitter.”
— Chef Luca Bianchi
Nutrition Facts
380
cal
15g
Protein
16g
Fat
65g
Carbs
5g
Fiber
594mg
Sodium
Tips & Tricks
- •Always salt your pasta water generously — it should taste like the sea.
- •Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining. It's liquid gold for emulsifying sauces.
- •Cook pasta 1 minute less than the package says if finishing it in the sauce.
Reviews (5)
Comme au restaurant! La sauce est onctueuse et les pâtes parfaitement al dente. Bravo pour cette recette.
Facile à préparer et tellement bon! Même mes enfants difficiles ont vidé leur assiette. Je recommande fortement.
Excellente recette! J'ai suivi les instructions à la lettre et le résultat était parfait. Ma femme a adoré.
Made this last night and my family loved it! The sauce was perfect and so easy to make. Will definitely be adding this to our regular rotation.
This recipe is a keeper. Great balance of flavours and the cooking times are spot on. My new favourite pasta dish.
Chef Luca Bianchi
Head Chef & Recipe Developer
Red Seal Certified Chef


