Pasta and potatoes with arugula in white sauce is an easy and popular first course that from my area is very widespread. Let’s say of ancient tradition passed down from generation to generation in Apulia and Southern Italy.
In the homes of farmers where potatoes were never lacking, it was indeed a rather quick solution when the choice of what to eat was limited. That pasta dish always represented God’s grace. Shared in one large dish for the whole family. Placed in the center on a three-legged table, but I’ll talk about that another time.
Today I cook this first course slightly differently as I use a pressure cooker to cook the potatoes, which was not used much back then.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 30 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: Stove
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Spring, Autumn
Ingredients
- 3 potatoes (medium)
- 1 bunch arugula
- 1 clove garlic
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup water (if needed)
- 8.8 oz pasta (small format like ditalini or other)
- chili pepper (optional)
Tools
- Pot
- Pressure Cooker
Steps
Bring the water to a boil in a pot and cook the pasta until al dente.
Meanwhile, in the pressure cooker, pour a little oil along with a clove of garlic chopped into pieces.
Add the peeled, washed, and diced potatoes, the washed and not drained arugula, and a little salt.
Mix and close the cooker and let it cook for 7 minutes.Check the cooking to stir and if needed add half a cup of water.
Drain the pasta and add it to the potatoes.
The chili pepper is optional
Pasta and potatoes with arugula is a simple meal to prepare with “poor” ingredients but full of taste and goodness, prepared quickly and eaten quickly.
Pasta and Potatoes with Arugula in White Sauce Traditional Southern Recipe
By the way, did you know that this recipe will be even better if the potatoes are slightly charred?
However, they must not be burnt, let’s be clear. Add liquid to the pressure cooker just right if needed. The water from the washed and non-drained arugula should be enough for cooking.
Cook on low flame.
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FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Where did the pasta with potatoes and arugula recipe originate?
Pasta and potatoes with arugula in white sauce is an easy and popular first course that from my area is very widespread. Let’s say of ancient tradition passed down from generation to generation in Apulia and Southern Italy.

