Pasta Alla Checca
Try this Pasta Alla Checca recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Pasta Alla Checca recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 2 pounds ripe tomatoes about 6 medium (or more if you like a high ratio of tomatoes to pasta)
- 1/4 cup torn or sliced fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup unrefined cold pressed extra-virgin olive oil
- sea salt to taste (i think 3/4 teaspoon is about r
- 1 pound dried pasta (i like a pasta which catches the toma such as orrecchiette or conchiglie. my mom always made it with spaghetti.)
- kosher salt to season the pasta water
- Carbohydrate 9.386310452 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.46109237 g
- Fiber 2.75305432671434 g
- Protein 2.091206428 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0648379318 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 (342g)
- Sodium 11.59480925 mg
- Sugar 6.63325612528566 g
- Trans Fat 0.1338067873 g
- Calories 43 calories
Step-by-step
- In a pot large enough to fit the tomatoes, fill ½ with water and bring to a boil.
- Cutting through the skin, make an “x” on the bottom of each tomato with a knife.
- Turn the heat off and submerge the tomatoes in the water for 20-30 seconds, depending on the size of the tomatoes.
- Remove the tomatoes from the water with a slotted spoon and place on a cutting board.
- Peel, core, seed (if you want) and chop the tomatoes.
- Place the tomatoes in a serving bowl.
- Add the garlic, basil, olive oil, and a few healthy pinches of sea salt to taste.
- Toss to combine.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add 1 Tablespoon kosher salt.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions or until al dente.
- Remove 1 cup pasta cooking water and reserve.
- Drain the pasta.
- Immediately add to the serving bowl with the tomatoes and toss to combine, adding reserved pasta cooking liquid if necessary to moisten the pasta.
- Remove garlic before serving, if desired.
My Simple Summer Pasta Alla Checca
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy meal can be a challenge. But sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most rewarding. This Pasta Alla Checca is one of those meals. It’s quick, easy, and unbelievably flavorful, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – fresh, high-quality ingredients are all you need to create a culinary masterpiece. No fancy techniques or obscure ingredients, just the pure taste of summer on a plate.
The vibrant colors of the ripe tomatoes, the fragrant basil, and the sharp bite of garlic combine to create a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue. The pasta, cooked perfectly al dente, absorbs the delicious sauce, resulting in a dish that is both satisfying and refreshing. I particularly love using orecchiette or conchiglie pasta for this recipe; their unique shapes perfectly capture the rich tomato sauce, making each bite an explosion of taste. But honestly, any pasta you like will do! My mother always used spaghetti.
What makes this recipe even more special is the connection it has to my family. It's a recipe passed down through generations, a culinary tradition that brings back fond memories of summer evenings spent together, the aroma of fresh basil filling the air. This isn't just a recipe; it's a story, a piece of my heritage, a taste of home. It's a testament to the power of simple ingredients, skillfully combined, to create something truly extraordinary. And the best part? It's so easy to make, even on the busiest of days! The preparation process is minimal. You’ll be surprised how quickly this delicious meal comes together.
Beyond the culinary aspects, making this dish is a mindful practice. Chopping the fresh tomatoes, feeling their juicy texture, smelling the fragrant basil – it’s a sensory experience that connects me to the ingredients and the season. It's a moment of calm amidst the chaos of everyday life, a reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures. And sharing this dish with loved ones makes it even more meaningful. The joy of gathering around the table, savoring this simple yet elegant pasta, is a cherished memory I wouldn’t trade for anything.
This Pasta Alla Checca is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to savor the taste of summer, to connect with family and friends, and to appreciate the simple beauty of a well-prepared dish. It’s a recipe that nourishes not only the body but also the soul. So, gather your ingredients, and let's embark on this culinary adventure together. Believe me, the end result is worth every minute!
Tips for the Best Pasta Alla Checca:
- Use the freshest, ripest tomatoes you can find. The flavor of the tomatoes is the star of this dish.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of pasta. Orecchiette, conchiglie, and spaghetti are all excellent choices.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, if desired.
- Garnish with fresh grated Parmesan cheese before serving, if you like.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and basil to your liking.
Variations:
- Add some cooked shrimp or chicken for a heartier meal.
- Include other vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers.
- Toss in some Kalamata olives for a salty, briny flavor.
- Experiment with different herbs such as oregano or thyme.
No matter how you choose to prepare it, this Pasta Alla Checca is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Its simplicity, its flavor, and its connection to cherished memories make it a truly special dish. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will leave you wanting more!
