Linguine with Creamy Rocket Pesto and Mussels
Linguine with Rocket Pesto and Mussels
Category: Pasta Dishes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Linguine | 320g |
| Mussels | 1kg |
| Rocket (Arugula) | 100g |
| Pine Nuts | 70g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 100ml |
| Grana Padano DOP Cheese | 70g, grated |
| Water | 30ml |
| Sea Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Rocket Pesto:
Start by making the rocket pesto. Place the rocket and pine nuts in a tall jar. Add extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and water. Use an immersion blender to blend everything together until smooth. The pesto should have a creamy, vibrant green consistency. -
-
Cook the Mussels:
Clean the mussels by removing the beards and scrubbing the shells. In a large pan, heat a splash of olive oil with a garlic clove. When the oil is hot, add the mussels to the pan. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat, and let them cook for about 5 minutes until the mussels open up. Once cooked, remove the mussels from the shell, but reserve a few in their shells for garnish. Turn off the heat and set them aside. -
Cook the Pasta:
While the mussels are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is al dente, reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining the pasta. -
Combine the Pesto and Mussels:
In the same pan where you cooked the mussels, add the rocket pesto. Stir in the mussels, then add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water if necessary to achieve a smoother consistency. Mix the pesto and mussels well. -
Toss the Pasta:
Add the drained linguine to the pan with the pesto and mussels. Toss everything together so that the pasta is well coated in the flavorful pesto sauce. -
Serve:
Plate the pasta, and garnish with the mussels still in their shells for a beautiful presentation. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful combination of fresh rocket, creamy pesto, and succulent mussels!
This Linguine with Rocket Pesto and Mussels recipe is a fantastic way to combine the peppery freshness of rocket with the briny sweetness of mussels, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and elegant. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend treat, this dish will surely impress your guests with its vibrant colors and delicious taste.
