Whole-Wheat Pappardelle with Arugula Pesto and Corn

By DreiFromBK

Ingredients

• 2 cups loosely packed wild arugula (about 1 ounce), plus more arugula for garnish
• 1 medium garlic clove, chopped
• 2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt
• 1/2 pound dried whole-wheat pappardelle
• 3 ounces pancetta, sliced 1/8 inch thick and cut into 1/2-inch strips
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• Kernels cut from 2 ears of corn (1 cup)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for serving

Details

Servings 4
Cooking time 40mins
Adapted from foodandwine.com

Preparation

Step 1

In a pot of salted boiling water, blanch the 2 cups of arugula for 30 seconds. Using tongs, transfer the arugula to a colander and rinse under cold water. Squeeze the arugula dry and transfer to a blender. Add the garlic and almonds and pulse until finely chopped. With the blender on, gradually add the olive oil in a slow steady stream; season with salt.

Add the pappardelle to the boiling water and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the pancetta over moderate heat, stirring, until browned, 5 minutes. Spoon off most of the fat. Add the onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, 5 minutes. Add the corn and cook until crisp-tender, 1 to 2 minutes.

Add the pasta, reserved pasta water, pesto and butter to the skillet and cook, tossing, until the pasta is hot and evenly coated. Season with salt and transfer to a bowl. Garnish with arugula leaves and serve, passing grated cheese at the table.