Arugula Pesto Pasta with Ricotta and Bacon
August 2010
Makes: 6 servings
- 8 cups arugula (about 6 ounces)
- 1 cup basil leaves
- 1/2cup each pine nuts and grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 1/2teaspoons salt
- 2/3cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2pound trimmed asparagus
- 1 pound pasta (such as campanelle or farfalle)
- Fresh ricotta cheese
- Crumbled crisp-cooked bacon
- Using a blender or food processor, puree 8 cups arugula (about 6 ounces), 1 cup basil leaves, 1/2 cup each pine nuts and grated parmesan cheese, 2 cloves garlic and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. With the machine on, drizzle in 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil until combined. Using a vegetable peeler, shave 1/2 pound trimmed asparagus into long, thin strips. Cook 1 pound pasta (such as campanelle or farfalle) until al dente; drain and immediately toss with the pesto and asparagus. Season with salt. Top each serving with a dollop of fresh ricotta cheese and crumbled crisp-cooked bacon.