Pasta Al Pomodoro Tias Take On Basta Pastas Recipes

PASTA AL POMODORO

Steps:

• Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a 12" skillet over medium-low heat.
• Add minced onion and cook, stirring, until soft, about 12 minutes.
• Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 2-4 minutes.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute more.
• Increase heat to medium, add puréed tomatoes and season lightly with kosher salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld, about 20 minutes.
• Remove pan from heat, stir in basil sprigs, and set aside.
• Meanwhile, bring water to a boil in a 5-qt. pot. Season with salt; add spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally, until about 2 minutes before tender.
• Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water.
• Discard basil and heat skillet over high heat. Stir in reserved pasta water to loosen sauce; bring to a boil.
• Add pasta and cook, stirring, until sauce coats pasta and pasta is al dente, about 2 minutes.
• Remove pan from heat; add butter and cheese; toss until cheese melts.
• Transfer to warm bowls; serve with more cheese, if desired.

PASTA AL POMODORO (TIA'S TAKE ON BASTA PASTA'S RECIPE)

Steps:

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil, onion, garlic, red pepper flakes and saute being careful not to let the garlic brown.
• Add tomatoes, wine, chicken broth, basil, sugar, pesto, vodka if using. Bring to a slight boil then turn down heat to medium-low and simmer.
• The longer you simmer this sauce the better it is! Reduce sauce by 1/4 simmering several hours, then turn to low.
• Add the chilled butter (butter will thicken sauce slightly) and stir through.
• Cook your choice of pasta al dente. While cooking pasta add the whipping cream and parmesean cheese and heat through.
• Add drained cooked pasta to pan and mix throughly and heat through.
• Serve with parmesean cheese grated on top. A loaf of rustic bread and salad goes great!
• Note: (I freeze my pesto in ice cube trays and use 1 to 2 cubes).