Ingredients

2 garlic cloves, sliced
2 tablespoons pine nuts
4 ounces arugula, stemmed, washed and dried
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 to 1/2 club extra virgin olive oil
1/3 to 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano
20 cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz. long pasta noodle of your choice

For the Pesto

Using either a mortar and pestle or food processor, mash the garlic cloves until they start to form a paste. Add the pine nuts and combine with garlic until the nuts are finely ground. Add the salt and arugula in handfuls that fit into the mortar, gently macerating them until the oils release. Once all the arugula has been broken down, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto has a fluid consistency. Stir in the cheese.

For the Tomatoes

Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Gently toss the halved cherry tomatoes in extra virgin olive oil, coarse sea salt, and freshly ground pepper. Roast the tomatoes, tossing once, for 20 – 25 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and beginning to burst.

Bring a salted pot of water to boiling temperature and cook the pasta per the pasta’s instructions.

Toss all to combine, topping with freshly grated parmesan.