Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb spotted cat's-ear pasta
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 lb cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for sauce
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spotted cat's-ear pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the white wine to the skillet and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, until it has reduced by half.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until they have softened and released their juices.
5. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss to combine.
6. Add the chopped basil to the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Spotted cat's-ear pasta can be substituted with any other short pasta shape.
- White wine can be substituted with chicken or vegetable broth.
- Cherry tomatoes can be substituted with diced canned tomatoes.
Variations:
- Add cooked shrimp or chicken to the pasta for a protein boost.
- Use different herbs such as parsley or oregano instead of basil.
- Add sliced mushrooms or chopped spinach to the tomato sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to salt the pasta water generously to add flavor to the dish.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining in case the sauce needs to be thinned out.
- Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pasta in a large bowl or platter, topped with extra chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables such as broccoli or zucchini
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water or broth to thin it out.
- If the pasta is too dry, add more olive oil or a drizzle of cream to the sauce.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the pasta and tomato sauce to a safe temperature of 165°F.
Food history:
- Spotted cat's-ear pasta is a traditional Italian pasta shape that resembles a cat's ear.
Flavor profiles:
- This dish is savory and slightly spicy, with the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes and the freshness of the basil.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve this pasta dish as a main course for a weeknight dinner or as a side dish for a larger meal.
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