Pasta Recipe
Make Pasta Recipe in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta & Cooking Liquid
Sauce
Finishing & Garnish
Method
Pasta & Cooking Liquid
- 1
Boil pasta
Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon salt. Add 12 oz dried pasta and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until al dente per package time (usually 9–12 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Sauce
- 2
Sweat aromatics
While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat until butter melts. Add 1 cup finely diced onion and cook, stirring, until translucent and lightly golden, about 5–7 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn.
- 3
Build the tomato sauce
Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook 1 minute to caramelize. Add one 14 oz can crushed tomatoes, 1 cup stock, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp sugar, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered 10–12 minutes to thicken slightly, stirring occasionally.
- 4
Finish sauce
If using, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream off the heat or over very low heat to make the sauce creamier; warm through 1–2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or sugar as needed.
Combine & Finish
- 5
Toss pasta with sauce
Return the drained pasta to the pot or place in the skillet with the sauce. Add about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta. Toss gently for 1–2 minutes over low heat so pasta absorbs the sauce. Add up to the reserved 1 cup pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- 6
Add cheese and herbs
Stir in 3/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1 tsp olive oil, and 1/4 cup torn fresh basil until cheese melts and sauce is glossy. If sauce seems dry, add a splash more pasta water. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- 7
Serve
Divide pasta among 4 plates or bowls. Finish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, additional torn basil, and an optional grating of lemon zest for brightness. Serve immediately.