SPICY AND SAUCY CHERRY TOMATO PASTA
In this incredibly easy weeknight pasta, red-pepper flakes, capers and tomato paste turn a simple cherry tomato sauce into something hearty enough for cold weather. Sautéeing tomato paste until it caramelizes develops deep flavor, while pan-fried capers add crunch and red-pepper flakes provide heat. For smokier undertones, you can use dried ancho chile or chile de árbol, chipotle powder or Aleppo pepper in place of the red-pepper flakes. A dollop of ricotta, freshly grated pecorino or Parmesan, or shaved ricotta salata is not necessary, but takes the dish up a notch.
Provided by Alexa Weibel
Categories dinner, weekday, pastas, main course
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high. Pat the capers dry, then add them to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the capers to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook over medium-high, stirring frequently, until tomato paste darkens in color and deepens in flavor, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil, the garlic and red-pepper flakes, if using, and cook, stirring frequently, until garlic is softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and reduce heat to medium. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet, season with salt and pepper and cook over medium-high, stirring, 5 minutes. Add 2/3 cup pasta cooking water from the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to fall apart and the liquid becomes saucy, about 10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, and transfer it to the skillet with the sauce to combine. (If your skillet is too full to accommodate the pasta, you can transfer the cooked pasta back to the pot, then add the sauce to combine.) Stir in half the basil and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Divide among plates or bowls and top with capers and remaining basil, plus cheese and whole basil leaves. Serve immediately.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love
Ariyana
[email protected]I've made this pasta with different types of pasta and it's always delicious. I've used penne, spaghetti, and even macaroni and it's always a hit.
M&m Erin
[email protected]This pasta is a great way to use up leftover cherry tomatoes. I always have a bunch of them in my fridge and this is a great way to use them up.
Roda Axmed
[email protected]I'm not a huge fan of spicy food, but this pasta was just the right amount of heat. It was flavorful without being overpowering.
Daphne Smith
[email protected]This pasta is so easy to make and it's always delicious. I love that I can use whatever vegetables I have on hand.
Farwa Haroon
[email protected]I love the combination of flavors in this pasta. The sweetness of the tomatoes and the heat from the chili flakes is perfect.
Numa Tumbapo
[email protected]I've made this pasta several times now and it's always a hit. It's a great recipe to have in your back pocket for busy weeknights.
Akash Miya
[email protected]This is my new favorite pasta recipe! It's so flavorful and delicious.
vip Car Care
[email protected]I made this pasta for a dinner party and it was a huge success! Everyone loved it.
Johara Khatun
[email protected]This pasta is the perfect weeknight meal. It's quick and easy to make, and it's always a crowd-pleaser.
Ayaz Sahil
[email protected]I love how easy this recipe was to follow. I'm not the best cook, but I was able to make this dish without any problems. And it turned out great!
Syedhassan Shah
[email protected]This cherry tomato pasta was a hit with my family! The sauce was flavorful and tangy, and the tomatoes burst with flavor in every bite. I will definitely be making this again.