Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of cacioforte pasta
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 cups of cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Cut off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Place the garlic head on a piece of aluminum foil and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Wrap the garlic in the foil and place it on a baking sheet.
3. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and place them on the baking sheet with the garlic. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Roast the garlic and tomatoes in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft and the garlic is golden brown.
5. While the garlic and tomatoes are roasting, cook the cacioforte pasta according to the package instructions.
6. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
7. In a large bowl, mix together the pasta, roasted garlic, roasted tomatoes, remaining olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. If the pasta seems dry, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
8. Serve the cacioforte with roasted garlic and tomatoes hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 400°F
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 550
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: 15g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cacioforte pasta can be substituted with any other type of pasta.
- Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano cheese.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Add chopped fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor.
- Use roasted red peppers instead of tomatoes for a different twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to reserve some pasta water to add to the pasta if it seems dry.
- Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Roasting the garlic and tomatoes together infuses the pasta with a delicious, savory flavor.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the pasta in a large bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with fresh herbs or grated cheese.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, grated cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil make great garnishes for this dish.
Pairings:
This pasta pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pasta seems dry, add more olive oil or reserved pasta water.
- If the garlic is not golden brown after 25-30 minutes, leave it in the oven for a few more minutes until it is golden brown.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to wash your hands and all utensils and surfaces that come into contact with the raw ingredients to prevent cross-contamination.
Food history:
Cacioforte is a type of pasta that originated in Italy. It is similar to spaghetti but thicker and has a rough texture that helps it hold onto sauces.
Flavor profiles:
This pasta dish has a savory, garlicky flavor with a hint of sweetness from the roasted tomatoes.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this pasta dish as a main course for lunch or dinner.
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Region: Italian