Are you curious about who cooks salad greens? We were too, so we’ve gathered 13 delicious Cooked Arugula Recipes to inspire your culinary adventures. Let’s start by challenging our assumptions – do lettuce and arugula belong only in salads? Arugula, also known as rocket, rucola, roquette, or Italian cress, has a secret identity beyond the salad bowl. Its peppery flavor sets it apart from other greens, making it a great addition to various recipes.
When cooking with arugula, look for leaves that are dry and have a consistent green color. Sauteed arugula pairs well with veggies, and can be used as a side dish or added to soups, sandwiches, pasta dishes, pesto, or stir-fries. You can also find cooked arugula in casseroles and lasagnas, sprinkled on top of pizza, or chopped up and added to recipes like any other herb. Whether you’re looking for a stew, entree, side dish, snack, or appetizer, cooked arugula recipes offer endless possibilities.
Check out our 13 favorite recipes below – the breakfast recipe is a personal favorite!
Arugula Pasta With Tomato And Pine Nuts
To kick off our collection of cooked arugula recipes, we have a mouthwatering pasta dish that combines the peppery flavor of arugula with the richness of tomatoes and pine nuts. In this recipe, the arugula is slightly wilted but still retains its crunch, adding a burst of freshness to each bite. As the pasta cooks, a flavorful sauce comes together by combining olive oil, pepperoncini, shallot, garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, and juicy tomatoes.
A clever cooking technique involves straining the cooked pasta over a colander filled with arugula, allowing the water to gently cook the greens to perfection. Finally, the pasta, arugula, and sauce are combined, topped off with toasted pine nuts and shaved parmesan for added texture and depth. It’s always exciting to discover new techniques and recipes like this one!
Chicken With Arugula And Mustard Pan Sauce
It’s time to bid adieu to ordinary baked chicken and explore the world of arugula beyond salads. No, this isn’t a salad at all. Instead, we’re going to create a mouthwatering dish featuring thinly cut chicken breasts, which are first seared in olive oil on both sides before being set aside.
The real showstopper is the pan sauce, crafted with a shallot, white wine, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, cream, butter, and of course, the star of the show: chopped arugula, which brings its signature spicy, peppery flavor to the table. Once the sauce is ready, we’ll add the chicken back in, ensuring a rich, flavorful dish with minimal cleanup – just one pan to scrub clean, thank you very much.
Pasta With Tuna And Arugula
One more delightful cooking with arugula pasta dish, this time featuring a different protein and pasta shape! What I love about this recipe is its bold flavor profile without the complexity of preparation. In just thirty minutes, you’ll have a delectable meal on the table. For this recipe, choose your preferred long pasta – fettuccine, spaghetti, or linguine – and cook it according to package instructions.
While the pasta is cooking, heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté minced garlic and hot pepper flakes until fragrant. Add canned tuna to the skillet and stir to combine. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving one cup of the pasta water. Then, combine the pasta with the tuna mixture, adding some reserved water if needed to facilitate tossing. Finally, add in fresh arugula, which will wilt and warm slightly as you toss everything together.
Arugula And Sausage Pasta Skillet
This speedy skillet recipe warms arugula to perfection, releasing its flavor while adding a satisfying texture to the dish. If you’re short on time or already have cooked pasta on hand, this quick fix can be a game-changer. Typically, you’ll start by cooking spicy Italian sausage in olive oil, followed by the addition of halved cherry tomatoes.
Once the sausage is browned and the tomatoes are tender, it’s time to bring everything together – tossing cooked pasta and arugula with the sausage and tomatoes until all components are warm and the arugula has just begun to soften. The resulting color palette is nothing short of delightful, making this recipe a true winner.
Creamy Vegan Arugula Soup
Starting with the humblest of beginnings, this scrumptious arugula soup relies on a flavorful foundation built from boiled potatoes, onions, garlic, and celery in vegetable broth until the potatoes are tender. The aromatic pungency of arugula is then introduced to the pot, where it harmoniously combines with its predecessors. Next, a whirlwind of blending magic transforms the mixture into a silky-smooth consistency.
To elevate this earthy delight even further, a generous splash of coconut milk adds an unparalleled richness, while a pinch of salt and pepper provides the perfect balance of flavors. The end result is a stunningly vibrant green soup that is nothing short of irresistible, beckoning you to take a spoonful and savor its unbridled charm.
Lemon Arugula Pasta With Burrata
The bright, citrusy taste of lemon is the star of this sautéed arugula and rigatoni pasta dish, paired with creamy burrata. What’s not to adore? As the pasta cooks, a flavorful base comes together in a skillet by combining sautéed shallot, garlic, and lemon zest. Once the pasta is done, it’s added to the skillet along with the juice of two lemons – yes, you read that right, it’s really that lemony!
The cooked arugula and reserved pasta water are then stirred in until the peppery greens have wilted and the burrata cheese has melted into a creamy delight. A pinch of salt and pepper brings everything together for a dish that’s simply irresistible.
Arugula Pesto Pasta with Garlic Shrimp
Experience the essence of Italy with this delightful Arugula Pesto Pasta, reminiscent of a memorable dining experience at a charming beach club in Positano. This delectable recipe is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, yet rich in flavor, thanks to its harmonious blend of fresh arugula pesto and al dente pasta. To complete the dish, simply add some extra peppery arugula and a sprinkle of cheese for a culinary delight that’s both effortless and utterly scrumptious.
Spinach Arugula Breakfast Hash
While my breakfast arugula recipes may not fit the traditional salad mold, this hash recipe stands out for its satisfying combination of crispy potatoes, greens, and fried eggs. In fact, it’s so versatile that it could easily become a go-to dinner option too! The key is to start with the potatoes, which take the longest to cook. By dicing them small and cooking them with onions, you’ll achieve a faster cooking time.
Once the potatoes are soft, stir in the spinach, arugula, and garlic for an added depth of flavor. To complete the dish, create ‘wells’ for the eggs and cook until they’re cooked to your liking. For an added twist, consider adding sausage when the potatoes are halfway cooked – a variation that’s equally delicious!
Pesto Panini With Arugula, Avocado & Sun Dried Tomato
When it comes to paninis, we’re always looking for ways to elevate them from the ordinary. That’s why we’ve created a unique recipe that combines the bold flavors of arugula with the creamy richness of pesto. The pesto is made by blending together avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, oil, salt and pepper, creating a flavorful base for our sandwich. Meanwhile, the arugula is simply mixed with olive oil and vinegar to bring out its peppery notes.
To assemble the panini, we spread the pesto on two slices of bread, add some cheese-topped arugula to one slice, and finish it off with the other. Once assembled, the sandwich is ready for a quick press in the panini maker or a few minutes in a grill pan to melt the cheese and toast the bread. The result is a deliciously complex flavor profile that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Mushroom Arugula Warm Salad
Indulge in the comforting warmth of this cooked arugula pasta dish, perfect for when you crave a savory salad. Its simplicity belies its profound flavor profile. The journey begins by browning walnuts to perfection in a skillet, setting the tone for the delightful medley that follows. Next, sauté seasoned shiitake mushrooms with dried cranberries and drizzle with balsamic vinegar, ensuring each component melds harmoniously together.
The pièce de résistance is the addition of baby arugula, which wilts slightly as it’s incorporated into the dish. A sprinkle of walnuts returns to the pot, and the final touch is a generous helping of your preferred cheese. Feel free to add a protein source of your choice to round out this satisfying meal.
Mushroom Pesto Flatbread Pizza
The magic of this pizza starts with a crispy flatbread, whether homemade or store-bought. The foundation is then set with a delicious pesto spread evenly across the bread. A medley of flavors and textures follows: tender baby bella mushrooms cooked to perfection, peppery fresh arugula, and a hint of earthy oregano. Finally, creamy burrata cheese is strategically placed in several areas, allowing for easy additions after baking if needed. The end result is a masterpiece that’s sure to impress.
Onion And Arugula Frittata
Indulge in the flavors of Italy with this delectable Arugula Pesto Pasta, reminiscent of a delightful dining experience at a charming beach club in Positano. This straightforward yet flavorful recipe pairs perfectly cooked pasta with a vibrant arugula pesto, bursting with peppery notes. Elevate it further by sprinkling some extra arugula and a pinch of cheese for a dish that’s effortless, fresh, and simply irresistible.
Sautéed Arugula With Red Bell Peppers
In this vibrant recipe, a harmonious union of flavors and textures is achieved through the combination of tender green arugula and sweet red bell peppers. The bell peppers are sliced into delicate strips and then sautéed until they reach a soft, caramelized state. As they near perfection, the aroma of garlic mingles with the peppers, adding depth to the dish.
Next, a handful of peppery arugula is added, along with a sprinkle of salt, a pinch of fiery red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of rich balsamic vinegar. With a gentle stir, all the ingredients come together in perfect harmony, resulting in a delectable side dish that’s sure to impress alongside any entree.
The bottom line
While exploring the world of cooked arugula recipes, it’s clear that they offer a wide range of options across various meal times and uses. By taking a closer look, you can discover delightful arugula recipes that go beyond traditional salad fare. Hopefully, this list has been helpful in your search for new ideas. And don’t worry if you’re feeling stumped – there are plenty of other ways to enjoy arugula, from salads to…
