This pasta dish is absulutely delicious! Whenever I find a recipe that my somewhat picky son asks for I know it is a winner. It minics alfredo except for the fact that there isn’t any butter, so maybe it’s a little healthier? It’s not low fat but you know what they say, everything in moderation.
As I have stated before, any recipe with cream in it is something I am going to love. I believe this recipe is originally from Ina Garten so you know it is going to be good. This recipe has such a wonderful flavor with the fresh lemon and arugula. I have tried it with spinach before when I was out of arugula and I will say although it was good, it is much better with arugula.
Ingredients:
1 lb. of pasta
2 lemons, juiced
1/2 cup – 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
4 oz. of fresh arugula
1 cup broccoli florets
2 cups heavy cream
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup parmesan cheese, plus more
I was out of fresh broccoli last night and had to use frozen which is not ideal, but my family didn’t notice. Shhhh, don’t tell. Fresh is preferable, but we do our best and make do with what we have right?
Juice two lemons and put the juice aside. Halve the cherry tomatoes and cut the broccoli into bit size florets.
With fresh broccoli, cook in boiling water for about 3 minutes. Drain in a colander and run under cold water stop the cooking. Set aside.
When you start boiling the water for the pasta you can start making the sauce.
Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over low/medium heat. Cook the minced garlic for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Garlic burns very easily so be careful.
Add the cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil while whisking frequently. Reduce heat to a simmer and whisk in the parmesan cheese. Continue simmering and whisking frequently for about 15 minutes.
Once the water is boiled cook your pasta as directed on the package.
Drain the pasta when ready and return to the pan. Add the sauce and combine well until you see that it is thickening and absorbing into the pasta. You may choose to add more parmesan if you so desire. You can never have too much cheese!
Add the arugula and stir until it is wilted.
Add the tomatoes and broccoli and you are ready to serve.
Enjoy!