Dinner tonight! Spaghetti with arugula and garlic bread crumbs

A touch of fresh-toasted bread crumbs can literally transform a dish, whether you’re sprinkling them over vegetables or gratins, and they even work magic drizzled over desserts. They can elevate a simple pasta dish, too, as Food editor Russ Parsons shows in this amazing (and simple) recipe for spaghetti with arugula and garlic bread crumbs.

For more quick-fix dinner ideas, check out our video recipe gallery. Parsons and Test Kitchen manager Noelle Carter show you how to fix a dozen dishes in an hour or less.

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Spaghetti with arugula and garlic bread crumbs

Total time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs

1 clove garlic, split in half lengthwise

Olive oil

Salt

1 pound spaghetti

1/2 cup finely chopped arugula

Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

1. Combine the bread crumbs in a small saucepan with the garlic and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Stir to coat well; there should be only a light trace of oil in the bottom of the pan. Season with a pinch of salt and place over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the crumbs have darkened and toasted, about 5 minutes. Transfer them to a small bowl and set them aside to cool slightly. When cool, discard garlic.

2. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of liberally salted, rapidly boiling water. When it is tender but still slightly chewy, drain it and combine it in a mixing bowl with 2 tablespoons olive oil and the chopped arugula. Add 5 tablespoons toasted bread crumbs and toss to coat well.

3. Divide among 4 to 6 shallow pasta bowls. Sprinkle with the remaining bread crumbs and Parmigiano-Reggiano to taste. Serve immediately.

Each of 6 servings: 370 calories; 10 grams protein; 58 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams fiber; 10 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 0 cholesterol; 2 grams sugar; 48 mg sodium.