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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.

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