Pasta al pomodoro

Ingredientes

• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for finishing
• 3 garlic cloves, smashed or roughly chopped
• 1 peperoncino calabrese (fresh Calabrian spicy pepper; Fresno chile or mild serrano will work), roughly chopped (optional)
• 1-1/4 pounds cherry tomatoes (the sweeter the better), halved
• 6 basil leaves
• 3/4 pound spaghetti
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Preparación

1. 1

   Heat a large saucepan over medium-low heat for 20 seconds.

2. 2

   Add 2 tablespoons of the oil, 2 of the garlic cloves, and the peperoncino (if using) and cook until the garlic turns slightly blond, about 3 to 4 minutes.

3. 3

   Increase the heat to high and immediately add the tomatoes.

4. 4

   Decrease the heat to medium and cook, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes or until the tomatoes melt into a sauce, stirring every 5 minutes.

5. 5

   Off the heat, use an immersion blender or standard blender to puree the tomatoes into a smooth sauce.

6. 6

   Return the pan to the stove, add the basil, and continue to cook the sauce over low heat for 15 minutes or until reduced by one-fourth.

7. 7

   Heat a large pan over low heat for 20 seconds.

8. 8

   Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the remaining garlic clove and cook until the garlic turns slightly blond, about 3 to 4 minutes. Turn off the heat.

9. 9

   Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil.

10. 10

    Once the water is boiling, add salt (the water should taste salty), then add the pasta and cook until 2 to 3 minutes before the pasta is al dente.

11. 11

    When the pasta is almost ready, add a ladle of pasta water to the pan with the garlic and bring it to a boil.

12. 12

    Using tongs, transfer the pasta to the pan.

13. 13

    Cook for 1 minute, adding more pasta water as needed.

14. 14

    Add the tomato sauce and cook, stirring continuously and adding more pasta water as needed, for another 2 minutes or until the pasta reaches your desired texture.

15. 15

    Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmigiano Reggiano.

16. 16

    Immediately divide the pasta among four plates and serve with a teaspoon of oil drizzled over each portion.