Orecchiette Recipe
Make Orecchiette Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Sauce
Method
Cooking the Pasta
- 1
Boil Water
In a large pot, bring 4-5 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water.
- 2
Cook the Pasta
Once the water is boiling, add 2 cups of orecchiette pasta. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes, until al dente.
- 3
Drain the Pasta
Once cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Making the Sauce
- 4
Heat Olive Oil
In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- 5
Sauté Garlic
Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- 6
Add Red Pepper Flakes and Tomatoes
Stir in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and start to burst.
- 7
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained orecchiette to the skillet along with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of chopped fresh basil. Toss everything together, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if necessary to create a light sauce.
- 8
Serve
Serve hot, garnished with additional basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.