Are you tired of the same old pasta dishes? Then you are in for a treat with this recipe for pasta with arugula and capers! This dish is different from the usual tomato-based sauces and has a unique taste, thanks to the combination of ingredients. The earthiness of the arugula and the tanginess of the capers create a perfect balance of flavors that will leave you wanting more.If you’re looking for a change from your usual pasta dishes, this recipe for pasta with arugula and capers is definitely worth a try. It is a quick and easy recipe that will be perfect for those nights when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. The combination of arugula and capers adds a unique and flavorful twist to the dish.
Not to mention, this recipe is incredibly versatile as well. You can switch out the pasta for a gluten-free option, and the arugula for spinach if you prefer. You can even add some cooked chicken or shrimp to make it a more filling meal. And the best part? It only requires a handful of ingredients, making it an affordable option for any night of the week.One way to make the dish even more flavorful is to add some red pepper flakes or a splash of lemon juice to the caper mixture. This will give it a bit of a kick and complement the earthiness of the arugula. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasoning and add your own twist to the dish. Additionally, you can also sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top of it for an extra layer of flavor that adds creaminess to the pasta.
Ingredients
To make this dish, you will need 8 oz. of pasta, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of capers, 2 cups of arugula, and salt and pepper to taste.When choosing the type of pasta, consider something with a shape that will hold onto the sauce, like fusilli or penne. If arugula is not your thing, you can swap it out for spinach, but keep in mind that arugula adds a unique and interesting flavor to this dish.To cook the pasta, simply follow the instructions on the package. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the garlic until fragrant. This should only take 1-2 minutes.
Next, add the capers to the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic. Once the pasta has finished cooking, add it to the skillet and toss it in with the caper mixture. Be sure to mix it so that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Finally, add the arugula and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it has wilted. Season the dish with salt and pepper according to taste. That’s all there is to it – an easy and delicious pasta dish that can be enjoyed by everyone! In the next section, we’ll provide some helpful tips and variations to make this dish even better.
Instructions
As you add the cooked pasta to the skillet, toss everything together to make sure that each piece of pasta is coated with the caper mixture. This way, you’ll get a burst of those deliciously tangy flavors in every bite.While tossing everything together, you can use a ladle or tongs to get some of the starchy pasta water in the skillet as needed. The starchy water helps create a thin sauce that coats the pasta perfectly and brings the dish together. So, be sure to reserve some of the pasta water before you drain the pasta.
Once the pasta is coated with the caper mixture, add in the arugula and continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the arugula has wilted. At this point, the dish is almost ready to serve! Remember to adjust the seasoning to your liking and add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Then, plate your pasta and serve immediately. To make the dish a bit heartier and add some protein to it, you can cook some chicken or shrimp and add it to the skillet along with the capers and garlic. To do this, simply season your protein of choice with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like and cook it in a separate skillet until fully cooked. Then, add it to the skillet with the capers and garlic and toss everything together to combine. This will add another layer of flavor and make the dish more filling. You can also try swapping out the arugula for spinach or kale for a slightly different taste.
Tips and Variations
If you want to make this dish a little heartier, you can add some cooked chicken or shrimp to the skillet. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning as needed. However, one of the great things about this recipe is that it’s versatile and can stand on its own as a vegetarian option.In addition to chicken or shrimp, you can also add other vegetables to this dish, such as cherry tomatoes or roasted peppers. This recipe is a great starting point for experimenting with different flavors and ingredients, and you can customize it to your liking. Whether you keep it simple or get creative, pasta with arugula and capers is a dish that is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Just remember to not overcook the arugula or spinach, as it can turn the dish into a soggy mess. Cooking it for just a minute or two is enough to wilt it and infuse its flavor into the dish. You can also adjust the amount of olive oil used if you prefer your pasta dishes to be less saucy. The key is to find the balance of flavors that works best for you. With these tips and variations in mind, you can make this dish your own and enjoy it as a comforting and flavorful meal any day of the week!
Conclusion
Another great thing about this recipe is that it can be easily adapted to suit different dietary needs. For a vegan version, simply omit the capers or replace them with marinated artichoke hearts. You can also use gluten-free pasta to make it a gluten-free option. It’s a fantastic dish to have in your arsenal, especially if you have guests with different dietary restrictions. By making a few simple swaps, you can ensure that everyone at the table can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
In summary, this recipe for pasta with arugula and capers is a flavor-packed dish that is incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious and versatile pasta dish that can be a hearty main course or a flavorful side dish. The addition of capers adds a tangy note to the dish, while the arugula lends a refreshing earthiness to it. You can customize this recipe to your liking by adding chicken, shrimp, or other vegetables, and adjust the seasoning and sauciness to your preference. Whether you make it as is or make your own modifications, pasta with arugula and capers is a recipe that you’ll keep coming back to again and again.
Welcome to my blog! I’m Kenelm Frost, a passionate cook who loves making pizza and pasta. Through this blog, I share tips, tricks, and recipes to help fellow foodies create amazing Italian dishes at home.
