Skip to main content

Penne with Arugula and Tomatoes

3.9

(18)

Freshly picked greens and herbs are essential to cooking in the Apulia region of Italy. Their assertive, often bitter flavor enriches many a modest dish. Here, a just-cooked tomato sauce is enlivened with the peppery taste of arugula.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 6

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 1/2 pounds tomatoes, peeled, seeded, chopped, or 3 cups diced canned tomatoes with juices
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon sugar
12 ounces penne, rigatoni or fusilli pasta
6 ounces arugula (about 6 bunches), tough stems trimmed, leaves scoarsely chopped
3/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute. Add tomatoes, herbs and sugar. Reduce heat and simmer until mixture thickens, stirring frequently, about 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Sauce can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer before using.)

    Step 2

    Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Add arugula and cook until wilted, about 1 minute. Drain. Return pasta and arugula to pot. Add sauce and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide pasta among plates. Sprinkle with cheese and serve.

Read More
Canned purée delivers rich body and deep flavor, without the nonna-level cook time.
The umami-packed pasta you'll be making all season long.
Yes, you can use the pre-cut squash.
This picadillo-inspired topping would taste good on a shoe.
Brussels sprouts are better with a crunchy Parmesan skirt.
A fancy-feeling dish that comes together in 20 minutes.
Cut steak into cubes and suddenly it transforms into a quick-cooking protein.
Full of crunchy veg and a miso-maple dressing.