Il Cucinologo
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Pasta with Arugula Pesto and Mussels

17/11/2023

Arugula pesto is a fresh, peppery twist on classic Genovese pesto, and pairing it with mussels creates a unique dish with flavors that complement each other beautifully. Here is the recipe for a pasta dish with arugula pesto and mussels for 4 people.

Ingredients

  • 400 g pasta (linguine or spaghetti work very well)
  • 1 kg fresh mussels, cleaned
  • 100 g arugula
  • 30 g pine nuts
  • 40 g grated Parmesan
  • 1 garlic clove
  • About 100 ml extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Lemon juice, to taste
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Preparation

  1. Arugula pesto preparation: In a food processor, add the arugula, pine nuts, peeled garlic, a pinch of salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan. While blending, gradually incorporate the extra-virgin olive oil until you achieve a creamy consistency. Adjust salt and add a little lemon juice to enhance the flavors.

  2. Cooking the mussels: In a large skillet, cook the mussels with a drizzle of oil and a garlic clove. Cover with a lid and cook until they have all opened. Remove the mussels from the skillet and shell them, setting aside a few whole mussels in their shells for garnish.

  3. Cooking the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, but reserve some cooking water.

  4. Finishing the dish: In a wide skillet, toss the pasta with the arugula pesto and add the shelled mussels. If needed, add a little cooking water to make the sauce creamier. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly.

  5. Plating: Serve the pasta with a drizzle of raw olive oil and garnish with the reserved mussels in their shells and, if desired, some chopped fresh parsley.

Fun Facts

Arugula pesto is a delicious variation on the better-known Genovese pesto. Its slightly spicy nature and vibrant color make this sauce an interesting choice to enrich not only pasta but also sandwiches and salads. Paired with mussels, it gives us a dish with the scent of the sea and the freshness of herbs.

Enjoy your meal! And if you need wine recommendations, a fresh, mineral white would be the perfect pairing for this dish.