Easy Weeknight Pasta: Linguine with Parmesan and Arugula

Sometimes when I am home by myself (and have been trapped here all day long), I want something homemade but that doesn't involve a ton of work, effort, or advance preparation. Tonight just happened to be one of those nights when I couldn't even bear the thought of ordering more takeout. If it does not seem hearty enough for you or some of the man friends in your life (right now there are none in mine so I make myself whatever I feel like), it is also great with a grilled chicken breast or as a side to another meat you would like to serve it with. The parmesan gives it a little depth while the arugula adds a peppery, fresh taste that you don't often get out of pasta. It is also nice to have in there in lieu of making a whole salad which I will rarely do for just myself. However, if you have the arugula on hand anyway and are in the mood for a salad, go for it (maybe I'll change my mind and want one in an hour). This literally takes about 10 minutes to make (total) and I had all of the ingredients on hand. If you don't, the list is pretty short. This is a recipe that I've seen Giada make before but I changed it around a tiny bit and halved it to make 2 servings instead of 4-6. Also- if you want to jazz it up, throw some fresh pine nuts in with the pasta at the end.

Linguine with Parmesan and Arugula

Ingredients:
-1/2 pound/box of linguine (you can also use spaghetti, fettucine or any other pasta you are in the mood for or have on hand
-2 tbs butter
-3/4 cup parmesan cheese (I used freshly grated pecorino, any is fine for this recipe)
-1 tbs pepper
-1 cup of roughly chopped arugula
-1/3 cup of pine nuts (optional)
-2 tbs salt

Directions:
-Boil the pasta for about 8 minutes, or according to the directions on the box. Make sure you add the salt to the water or else your pasta will not have any flavor. Reserve the water after you take the pasta out (I just used tongs to take it out of the water instead of straining through a colander).
-Add the butter to the pasta and toss
-Add the pepper and toss
-Add the cheese using a few spoonfuls of pasta water (about 1/3-1/2 cup total) to make a creamy sauce for the pasta
-Toss the arugula in with the pasta and parmesan etc.
-Add the pine nuts, if you are using, and serve