Creamy Penne with Arugula and Roasted Tomatoes
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Penne with Arugula and Roasted Tomatoes, a perfect dish that brings together the rich flavors of slow-cooked tomatoes and fresh arugula. This easy-to-follow recipe is packed with nutritional goodness and delivers a comforting yet sophisticated meal that is perfect for any occasion. With the addition of freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese, each serving offers a burst of flavor that is sure to please your taste buds. Ideal for gatherings or a hearty family dinner, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
6
Servings
260
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
medium onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
fresh tomatoes
3.5 lbs (peeled, seeded, and chopped or 3 cups of diced canned tomatoes with juices)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (none)
sugar
1/4 teaspoon (none)
rigatoni or fusilli pasta
12 ounces (none)
arugula
6 ounces (tough stems trimmed and leaves coarsely chopped)
Pecorino Romano cheese
3/4 cup (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4
Add the chopped tomatoes, oregano, thyme, and sugar to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5
Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens, approximately 20 minutes.
6
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If preparing in advance, cover and refrigerate it until ready to use, then bring back to a simmer before serving.
7
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
8
About 1 minute before the pasta is done, add the arugula to the pot and let it wilt with the pasta.
9
Drain the pasta and arugula together, then return them to the pot.
10
Pour the tomato sauce over the pasta and arugula, tossing gently to coat evenly.
11
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
12
Serve the pasta on plates and generously sprinkle with freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese before enjoying.
Nutrition Information
38g
Carbs
9.2g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
1.7g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Penne with Arugula and Roasted Tomatoes?
It is a flavorful pasta dish featuring slow-cooked tomatoes, fresh arugula, and Pecorino Romano cheese, designed to be both comforting and sophisticated.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat or fish products.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 260 calories.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes with 3 cups of diced canned tomatoes with their juices.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe suggests using penne, rigatoni, or fusilli pasta.
How long should the tomato sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for approximately 20 minutes until it thickens.
When do I add the arugula to the dish?
Add the arugula to the pot of boiling water about 1 minute before the pasta is finished cooking so it can wilt.
What kind of cheese is recommended for topping?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 minced garlic cloves.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can cover and refrigerate the sauce until ready to use, then bring it back to a simmer before serving.
What herbs are used to season the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How much protein does this pasta dish provide?
One serving provides 9.2g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 38g of carbohydrates.
Does the recipe contain any fiber?
Yes, each serving provides 2.5g of fiber.
Why is sugar added to the tomato sauce?
A 1/4 teaspoon of sugar is added to help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick meal' and is designed to be easy to follow.
How should the arugula be prepared?
The tough stems should be trimmed and the leaves should be coarsely chopped.
How much pasta is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 12 ounces of pasta.
What is the sugar content per serving?
There is 1.7g of sugar per serving.
What type of onion should I use?
One medium onion, chopped, is recommended.
Should the pasta be cooked 'al dente'?
Yes, the instructions specify to cook the pasta until it is al dente.
What equipment is needed for the sauce?
A large nonstick skillet is recommended to heat the oil and simmer the sauce.
What are the key tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, vegetarian, healthy, quick meal, comfort food, and Italian cuisine.
How much arugula is used?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of arugula.
How do you finish the dish?
Toss the drained pasta and arugula with the tomato sauce and sprinkle with Pecorino Romano cheese.
Can I use fresh tomatoes if they have skins?
The recipe recommends that fresh tomatoes be peeled, seeded, and chopped before use.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 10 total ingredients in this recipe.
Is there any salt or pepper in the recipe?
Yes, salt and pepper are used to season the sauce and the pasta water to taste.