Pasta Corte d’Assise

Indulge in the bold and satisfying flavors of Pasta Corte d’Assise, a dish that combines perfectly al dente bucatini with a rich, spicy tomato sauce. This recipe features a robust tomato base, accented with red pepper flakes and aromatic herbs, then enriched with a touch of butter for a silky finish. Topped with grated cheese and a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes, this pasta is a delightful balance of heat and savory goodness.

Ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, Pasta Corte d’Assise delivers a satisfying taste of Italian-inspired cuisine with every bite.

Pasta Corte d’Assise

Ingredients:

For the Spicy Tomato Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for extra richness)

For the Pasta:

8 ounces bucatini (or any pasta of your choice)

2-3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Grated cheese (Parmesan or Pecorino) for serving

Extra red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Spicy Tomato Sauce:

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and dried basil.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, add tomato paste for a richer flavor.

Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the bucatini according to package instructions until it is just shy of al dente (about halfway cooked). Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

In a large, wide skillet, melt 2-3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.

Add the prepared spicy tomato sauce to the skillet and stir to combine with the melted butter. Let the sauce heat through.

Add the partially cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce, using tongs or a spatula, to coat it evenly. You can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce adhere to the pasta if needed.

Finish Cooking and Serve:

Continue tossing the pasta in the skillet until it reaches your desired level of doneness (you want it very al dente, so be sure not to overcook).

Remove from heat and sprinkle grated cheese over the pasta. Toss again to combine.

Serve immediately, garnished with extra red pepper flakes and additional grated cheese if desired.

Notes:

Adjusting Spice Levels: The amount of red pepper flakes can be adjusted based on your spice preference. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more if you like it hotter.

Tomato Paste: Adding tomato paste is optional but can enhance the sauce’s depth of flavor. If you prefer a richer, thicker sauce, consider using it.

Pasta Texture: Cooking the bucatini until it’s just shy of al dente helps ensure that it will absorb some of the sauce and finish cooking to the perfect texture in the skillet. Be mindful not to overcook the pasta during this initial stage.

Reserved Pasta Water: Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency. Adding a splash of this starchy water can help the sauce cling better to the pasta.

Butter and Sauce Emulsion: The combination of butter and sauce helps create a creamy texture and allows the sauce to adhere to the pasta more effectively. Don’t skip this step for the best results.

Cheese Variety: Parmesan or Pecorino are both excellent choices for topping this dish. Pecorino is sharper and saltier, while Parmesan is milder. Choose based on your flavor preference.

Serving Tips: Serve the pasta immediately after mixing with the sauce and cheese for the best texture. The pasta may absorb the sauce further if left sitting, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Garnishing: Extra red pepper flakes and additional grated cheese can be added just before serving for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Pasta Substitutes: If you don’t have bucatini, you can use other pasta shapes like spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine. Adjust cooking times based on the pasta shape you choose.

Vegetable Add-ins: For added nutrition and variety, consider incorporating vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté them with the garlic or add them to the sauce as it simmers.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of bucatini?

Yes, you can use other types of pasta such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine.

Adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of red pepper flakes.

Start with 1/2 teaspoon for a mild heat and increase according to your preference.

What can I use if I don’t have crushed tomatoes?

You can use tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, or passata as substitutes.

If using diced tomatoes, you may want to blend them for a smoother sauce.

Is tomato paste necessary for this recipe?

Tomato paste adds extra richness and depth to the sauce, but it’s optional.

If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can omit it.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the spicy tomato sauce ahead of time.

Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Reheat before combining with the pasta.

How do I know when the pasta is perfectly al dente?

The pasta should be firm to the bite, with a slight chewiness.

It will continue cooking slightly in the sauce, so aim for it to be just shy of al dente when draining.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Certainly! Parmesan and Pecorino are great choices, but you can use other cheeses like Grana Padano, Asiago, or even a mild cheddar if preferred.

How much pasta water should I add?

Start with a small amount of reserved pasta water, such as 1-2 tablespoons.

Add more if needed to reach your desired sauce consistency and to help the sauce adhere to the pasta.

Can I add vegetables or protein to this dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

For added protein, consider incorporating cooked chicken, sausage, or beans.

Sauté them along with the garlic or add them to the sauce.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to loosen the pasta if necessary.