Spaghetti con Pomodorini: A Classic Italian Delight
Spaghetti con Pomodorini is a simple yet delicious Italian pasta dish that showcases the beauty of fresh ingredients. With its bright, tangy tomato flavor and the satisfying texture of spaghetti, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Here’s how you can make this classic recipe at home.
Ingredients:
- 400g (14 oz) spaghetti: Choose a high-quality pasta for the best results.
- 500g (1 lb) cherry tomatoes: Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic: Finely chopped or minced.
- 60ml (1/4 cup) extra virgin olive oil: Opt for a good quality olive oil.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adjust according to your heat preference.
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves: Torn or chopped.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Optional, for serving.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cherry Tomatoes: Rinse them under cold water and pat dry. Slice each tomato in half. If they’re particularly large, you might want to quarter them.
- Garlic: Peel and finely chop the garlic cloves.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Pomodorini Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and release their juices. The sauce should be slightly chunky.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss gently to combine, making sure the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Divide the spaghetti among serving plates. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Tips:
- Tomato Quality: The success of this dish relies heavily on the quality of the tomatoes. Use ripe, in-season cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. If cherry tomatoes are not available, you can use grape tomatoes or even small Roma tomatoes.
- Garlic: Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Sauté it just until fragrant.
- Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps to bind the sauce to the spaghetti and can improve the consistency of your sauce.
Enjoy your Spaghetti con Pomodorini with a side of crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. This dish is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious. Buon appetito!
