Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Lemon Rocket Farfalle Pasta

The Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Lemon Rocket Farfalle Pasta is a bright, zesty dish that’s as quick to make as it is satisfying. With vibrant lemon, peppery rocket, creamy Parmesan, and crunchy pistachios, every bite is a burst of fresh Mediterranean flavor. I made this on a sunny afternoon, and it honestly felt like summer in a bowl. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

• 480g (17 oz) dried farfalle pasta
• 120g (4.2 oz) rocket (arugula)
• 2 lemons
• 100g (3.5 oz) Parmesan cheese, plus extra to serve
• 100g (3.5 oz) shelled unsalted pistachios

How To Make Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Lemon Rocket Farfalle Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle according to the packet instructions. Before draining, scoop out a mugful of the starchy cooking water and set it aside—this is key for loosening your sauce later.
2. Make the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, grab your blender. Add most of the rocket (save a little for serving), finely grate in the zest of both lemons, and squeeze in all their juice. Drizzle in 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, add the Parmesan, two tablespoons of the reserved pasta water, and most of the pistachios. Blitz until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Toss with Pasta: Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Pour over your vibrant green sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with a little more pasta water until it’s glossy and clings to the farfalle perfectly.
4. Add the Toppings: Finely chop the reserved pistachios and sprinkle them generously over the pasta. Top with the remaining rocket, more Parmesan, and a final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my kind of comfort food—light, quick, and packed with flavor. I love how the lemon lifts the whole dish, while the Parmesan and pistachios give it richness and crunch. It’s the kind of pasta that feels indulgent but is totally fresh and wholesome. Great for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute lunch with friends.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t forget the pasta water: It’s essential for a smooth, silky sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
• Blend rocket quickly: The lemon juice helps preserve the color, but a quick blend keeps it vibrant and fresh.
• Adjust sauce texture: Too thick? Just stir in more pasta water until it’s right.
• Chop pistachios finely: A little texture on top makes every bite interesting.
• Serve with extra lemon wedges: If you love citrus, a squeeze of lemon just before eating is delicious.

How To Store This Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Lemon Rocket Farfalle Pasta

• At Room Temperature: Serve immediately or let it cool slightly—great for warm-weather meals.
• In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• In the Freezer: Not ideal for freezing—rocket and Parmesan tend to lose their texture.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to bring the sauce back to life.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Can I use another type of pasta?
  Definitely! Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti all work well—just adjust cooking time as needed.
• What’s the best substitute for rocket?
  Try baby spinach or watercress if rocket isn’t available. They’ll give a similar freshness.
• Can I make it nut-free?
  Sure! Just skip the pistachios or use sunflower seeds for crunch.
• How do I make it more filling?
  Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even tuna for a protein boost.
• Can I serve this cold?
  Totally! It works beautifully as a pasta salad—perfect for picnics or lunches.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 473 kcal
• Fat: 21.2g
• Saturated Fat: 5.5g
• Protein: 16.3g
• Carbohydrates: 57.5g
• Sugars: 2.2g
• Salt: 0.3g
• Fibre: 0.7g

Try More Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Recipes:

• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Greek Cypriot Pasta
• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Asparagus Pasta
• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Prawn Pasta
• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Sausage Pasta