Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of spaghetti
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of capers
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the capers and garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the diced tomatoes and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the pasta is heated through.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Serve the Caper-Tomato Pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 62g
Protein: 15g
Sodium: 700mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Spaghetti can be substituted with any other type of pasta.
- Fresh tomatoes can be used instead of canned tomatoes.
- Pecorino Romano cheese can be used instead of Parmesan cheese.
Variations:
- Add cooked shrimp or chicken to the pasta for a protein boost.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes for a more intense tomato flavor.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Be sure to salt the pasta water generously to add flavor to the pasta.
- Reserve some of the pasta cooking water to add to the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
Storage Instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the pasta in individual bowls, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- White wine
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out.
- If the pasta is too dry, add a splash of olive oil or more sauce to coat it evenly.
Food Safety Advice:
- Be sure to cook the pasta and sauce to the appropriate temperature to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before consuming.
Food History:
The combination of capers and tomatoes is a classic Italian flavor pairing that has been used in pasta dishes for centuries.
Flavor Profiles:
Salty, tangy, and slightly spicy.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Caper-Tomato Pasta as a main course for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Italian
Taste: Tangy, Savory, Herbaceous, Zesty, Aromatic