Make Ahead

Citrusy Summer Pasta

by:
June 27, 2011
0
0 Ratings
  • Serves 4-6
Author Notes

I get inspiration from just about everywhere. Whenever something captures my attention, I write it down. As a consquence, I have about a million notes for about a million ideas. This recipe came from one of those notes. It is best served warm or at room temperature. However, it can be served cold for tailgating and picnicing; you may need to add a bit more olive oil and orange juice to moisten pasta if serving cold. If you would like a vegetarian option, simply omit the prosciutto. —gr8chefmb

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Ingredients
  • 4 tablespoons coarse ground salt
  • 12 ounces dried penne pasta
  • 2 cups broccoli florets [approximately 1/2-inch pieces]
  • 1 cup cubed fresh pears [Bosc, Comice or Asian varieties recommended]
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 4 tablespoons fresh grated orange zest
  • 4 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, roughly chopped
  • 4 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
  • 2 cups baby arugula
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2/3 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped toasted walnuts
Directions
  1. 1. Fill a Dutch oven two-thirds full with cold water; place over medium high heat and bring to the boil. Add 3 1/2 tablespoons salt to water and pasta; bring to the boil again. Reduce heat to medium and cook until al dente, approximately 8-12 minutes. During the last 3 minutes of cooking time, add broccoli. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of cooking water, and place in large mixing bowl.
  2. 2. Add remaining salt, pears, orange juice, orange zest, thyme, pepper, arugula and oil; toss to combine and coat pasta. If it seems a bit dry, add the pasta water and toss again. Sprinkle with Gorgonzola and walnuts. Serve immediately.
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