Spaghetti allo Scarpariello

Ingredients:

350 grams (3/4 pound) spaghetti

600 grams (1 1/4 pounds) cherry tomatoes

40 grams (1 ounce) of freshly grated Pecorino cheese

40 grams (1.5 ounces) of freshly grated Parmesan

2 cloves of garlic, peeled

2 small dried chili peppers (peperoncino)

Olive oil

A handful of torn basil leaves

Salt

Instructions:

Step 1:

Put a large pot of water on to boil for your spaghetti.

Rinse the cherry tomatoes in the sink, then quarter each and set aside.

Step 2:

Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large frying pan (add enough to coat the bottom of the pan) and add the garlic and peperoncino.

Let cook for a few minutes, or until fragrant, then add the cherry tomatoes and a pinch or two of salt.

Once the tomatoes have burst and softened, add a bit of basil and stir well.

Lower the heat on the pan and let everything simmer gently while you wait for your spaghetti to be done.

Step 3:

Cook the spaghetti (following package instructions for al dente!) in your now boiling pot of water, being sure to salt the water well.

Before straining the spaghetti, reserve a cup or so of starchy pasta water.

Remove the peperoncino and garlic cloves from the sauce.

Put the spaghetti back in the pot it was cooked in, and tip in the spicy-garlicky-tomato sauce.

Note that you can also add the spaghetti to the frying pan, but as the pot has higher sides, it makes tossing everything together a little easier and less messy.

Step 4:

Add the rest of the basil, plus both of the cheeses and a splash of pasta water into the pot with the pasta.

Mix everything vigorously until the sauce is nice and creamy and smooth, adding in more pasta water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Taste for salt, adjust if needed, and then divide onto 4 plates and eat with gusto.

Notes:

Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses simple and easily accessible ingredients like spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, and cheese, making it convenient for home cooks.

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Fresh Flavors: The combination of fresh cherry tomatoes, basil, and garlic creates a vibrant and flavorful sauce that pairs well with the pasta.

Customizable Spice Level: The use of dried chili peppers allows you to adjust the spice level according to your preference. You can add more or fewer peppers to control the heat of the dish.

Creamy Texture: Mixing the grated Pecorino and Parmesan cheeses with starchy pasta water creates a creamy and rich sauce that coats the spaghetti evenly.

Technique Tips: The recipe provides helpful technique tips, such as reserving pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency and removing the garlic and chili peppers from the sauce before combining it with the pasta.

Versatile Serving: The finished dish can be divided onto plates and served immediately, making it a quick and satisfying meal for any occasion.

Customization Options: While the recipe is delicious as written, you can also customize it by adding additional ingredients like cooked shrimp, chicken, or vegetables to suit your taste preferences.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta instead of spaghetti?

Yes, you can use different types of pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine, according to your preference.

Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I adjust the spice level if I don’t have dried chili peppers?

If you don’t have dried chili peppers, you can use crushed red pepper flakes or omit them entirely for a milder dish.

Can I substitute cherry tomatoes with other types of tomatoes?

While cherry tomatoes work best for this recipe due to their sweetness and size, you can use other types of tomatoes, such as grape or Roma tomatoes, if needed.

Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?

Reserving pasta water helps adjust the sauce’s consistency and enhances its creaminess.

It’s recommended but not mandatory.

Can I use pre-grated cheese instead of freshly grated Pecorino and Parmesan?

Freshly grated cheese provides the best flavor and texture, but you can use pre-grated cheese if that’s what you have available.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, simply omit the ground meat and proceed with the rest of the recipe as instructed. The dish will still be flavorful and satisfying.

Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?

Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

Just ensure they’re cooked to your desired tenderness.

How long does it take to cook the cherry tomatoes?

The cherry tomatoes should be cooked until they burst and soften, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes over medium heat.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat it gently before tossing with the cooked pasta.

What can I serve with this dish?

This spaghetti dish pairs well with a simple green salad, crusty bread, or a glass of red wine for a complete meal.