Linguine with Creamy Rocket Pesto and Mussels

Linguine with Rocket Pesto and Mussels

Category: Pasta Dishes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. 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.

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2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.