Italian Week: Day 3 - Bavettine

Welcome to Day 3 of our tour of Italy. This has been a great few days filled with savory dishes and delectable foods that can be cooked right in your kitchen. Today, we are going to do a delicious pasta dish tossed with salmon and arugula. This dish will have your mouth watering and your stomaches growling to eat it. So, enough chatter. Let's get cooking!

Bavettine with Smoked Salmon & Arugula

You will need:

• 12 ounces dried bavettine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, chopped finely
• 4 ounces smoked salmon, cut into thin strips
• 2 ounces arugula
• salt and pepper

NOTE: All items can be found at your local market or specialty store

1. Bring a large heavy-bottom pan of slightly salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta, return to a boil, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until Al-Dente.*
3. Just before the end of the cooking time, heat the olive oil in a large skillet.
4. Add the garlic and cook over low heat, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Do not allow the garlic to brown or it will taste bitter.
5. Add the salmon and arugula. Season to taste with salt and pepper and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat.
7. Drain the pasta and transfer to a warmed serving dish.
8. Add the smoked salmon and arugula mixture, toss lightly.
9. Serve!

NOTE: You can substitute the arugula for baby spinach leaves if you see necessary

We have completed Day 3 and boy, I feel fantastic about this dish! I sure hope you will all come back and join me for more Italian Week. Enjoy your dinner and caio!