Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Lemon Fusilli with Arugula

This is a Barefoot Contessa recipe passed to me from Rena.

1 tablespoon good olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic (2 cloves)
2 cups heavy cream
3 lemons
Freshly ground salt and pepper
1 pound dried fusilli pasta
1/2 pound baby arugula (or spinach with stems removed and leaves cut into thirds)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic, and cook for 60 seconds, then add the cream, the zest and juice of 2 of the lemons, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until it starts to thicken.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta, and cook al dente according to the directions on the package, about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Immediately add the cream mixture and cook over medium-low heat for 3 minutes, until the pasta has absorbed most of the sauce. Pour the hot pasta in to a large bowl and add the arugula, Parmesan, and tomatoes. Cut the last lemon in half lengthwise, slice it 1/4- inch thick crosswise, and add a few slices to the pasta. Toss well, season to taste, and serve hot.

2 comments:

  1. This sounds like a delicious taste of summer. I'll be making it soon.

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  2. This is a staple in our house ever since Rena brought it after Eden was born. I always add chicken and don't cut up the spinach or remove the stems. We love it!

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