Nothing says “cozy night in” quite like a delicious bowl of pasta. If you’re looking to elevate your pasta game beyond the usual spaghetti and marinara, our recipe with orecchiette pasta is sure to delight your taste buds. This unique pasta shape, reminiscent of little ears, makes for a satisfying and comforting meal that will have you coming back for seconds. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a delightful dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.
Recipe: Orecchiette Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Basil, and Parmesan
Ingredients:
– 12 oz orecchiette pasta
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Instructions:
1. Cook the orecchiette pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they start to soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season the tomato mixture with salt and pepper to taste. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes at this stage.
5. Once the cherry tomatoes have cooked down slightly, add the cooked orecchiette pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the flavorful tomato and garlic mixture.
6. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen it up and create a light sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the torn basil leaves, tossing to incorporate them throughout the pasta.
8. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and give it a final toss to combine all the ingredients.
9. Serve the orecchiette pasta with an additional drizzle of olive oil, a few extra basil leaves for garnish, and extra Parmesan cheese on the side for those who want to add more to their dish.
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With its delightful combination of flavors and textures, this orecchiette pasta dish is a winner in our books. The sweetness of the cherry tomatoes, the freshness of the basil, and the nuttiness of the Parmesan cheese all come together beautifully to create a symphony of tastes that will leave you fully satisfied. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp, or keep it simple and vegetarian—the choice is yours. So, the next time you’re craving a comforting bowl of pasta, give this recipe a try and let its simple elegance elevate your evening meal.
