Lemon Arugula Rigatoni Pasta Recipe

This simple lemon arugula rigatoni pasta recipe is full of nutritious greens, white beans, lemon, and a bit of Parmesan cheese.

When we first started cooking, we wanted everything quick. The quicker the better, in our minds. We took lots of shortcuts to get to delicious food in the fastest way possible. Along we the way, we started to learn that while some shortcuts work, others sacrifice flavor in a big way. Sometimes, there actually is a reason to simmer a soup longer than 20 minutes, or to wait for dough to rest. We’ve learned that the hard way — but gained valuable lessons about what is worth the wait. This rigatoni pasta recipe, though, is so quick and simple that there’s no need to wait! Keep reading for the recipe.

Related: Orecchiette Pasta with Lemon Asparagus

Making this rigatoni pasta recipe

Now that we don’t mind spending a little extra time for the payoff in the end, quick meals that don’t sacrifice flavor are “it” for us. This lemon arugula rigatoni pasta recipe is one of those — zesty, tart lemon along with fresh baby arugula, white beans, and savory Pecorino cheese. It’s essential Italian: simple flavors at their finest, and can be pulled off in 30 minutes or less.

We were hooked the first time we made this rigatoni pasta recipe with baby arugula from our local farmers market, and we’ve made it again a few times for some meals with friends. Since it’s so quick and simple, it’s already become a “Go To” meal for us. (PS Want more recipes with this leafy green? Here are our best arugula recipes.)

Baby arugula is a must! Don’t use standard arugula.

Make sure to buy baby arugula for this pasta: not standard! You can find baby arugula in lots of mainstream groceries here in the US! It’s also available at farmers markets. As a rule of thumb: if it is sold as a bunch, stay away. Use the baby greens that are sold in packages or bags. Here’s the difference between the two:

• Baby arugula is tender, with a mild flavor and a fluffy texture.
• Standard arugula is usually sold in bunches. It has a much stronger peppery flavor, and sometimes the stems are tougher. It’s not as good for a salad like this one.

How to cook pasta to al dente? 

Cooking pasta too long is a common mistake in the kitchen. For this rigatoni pasta recipe, you’ll want to have perfectly al dente pasta. To cook pasta to al dente, check the package instructions and then start tasting your pasta a few minutes before that! The timing listed on many packages results in rubbery pasta. You want to catch the pasta right when it goes from crunchy to tender. It should still be slightly firm inside–but not crunchy!

We’d love to hear from you — what are your favorite, simple “Go To” meals?  Please let us know your ideas in the comments below!

This rigatoni pasta recipe is…

Vegetarian. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Print

Looking for more fast and easy dinner recipes?

Outside of this lemon arugula rigatoni pasta recipe, here a few more of our favorite fast and easy dinner recipes:

• Loaded Quinoa Tacos
• 5 Minute Romesco Gnocchi Sauce
• Mushroom Pasta with Goat Cheese
• Seared Salmon Poke Bowl
• Vegan Italian Pasta Salad
• 48 Quick and Easy Family Meals
• Chickpea Couscous Bowls with Tahini Sauce
• Tropical Mango Bowls with Citrus Drizzle
• Vegan Banh Mi Sandwich
• Tex Mex Migas Recipe
• Avocado Black Bean Vegetarian Quesadilla
• Thai Curry Pizza with Naan Bread
• Vegan Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce
• All Easy Dinner Ideas!