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
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Like crispy gnocchi caprese and raspberry—brown butter skillet cake.
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.
Apple pie in doughnut hole form? We’re in love.
The secret to flavorful, never-greasy eggplant parm? Brine the eggplant first.
A spicy-funky upgrade for lettuce cups, sandwiches, and more.