Arugula pesto is peppery and bright. The trick is to blanch the arugula and squeeze it dry, so when you blend it with the pine nuts, garlic, olive oil and cheese, the resulting pesto isn't too wet.
Top the warm pasta with grated ricotta salata, which has a dense texture and salty flavor. Get the recipe for Rigatoni With Sauteed Eggplant and Tomatoes.
Try to get similarly-sized clams, as different sizes will alter the cooking time for them to open. Smaller ones are preferable, as they'll open faster, ensuring the pasta won't overcook. For anyone with dietary concerns, try...
Italian ragus tend to be long-simmered dishes, but a French ragout is a quicker affair, a thick, cheesy stew. Tossed over pasta, this one is a true fusion, a halfway point between ragu and ragout.
