Macarrão Recipe
Delicious hot pasta dish.
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Sauce
Finish & Garnish
Method
Pasta
- 1
Boil water
Bring 4 liters of water to a rolling boil in a large pot over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon coarse salt once boiling.
- 2
Cook pasta
Add 400 g dried pasta to the boiling salted water and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8–11 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 3
Reserve water and drain
Before draining, scoop out and reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside; do not rinse.
Sauce
- 4
Sweat aromatics
Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet or shallow saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 cup finely chopped onion and a pinch of salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and softened (about 5–7 minutes).
- 5
Add garlic
Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic.
- 6
Build sauce
Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook 1 minute to deepen flavor. Add 400 g crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 0.5 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine.
- 7
Simmer
Bring sauce to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and brightened. Taste and adjust salt or sugar as needed.
- 8
Finish with herbs and cheese
Remove sauce from heat and stir in 0.25 cup torn fresh basil leaves and 0.5 cup grated Parmesan until incorporated.
Finish & Serve
- 9
Combine pasta and sauce
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Pour in up to ½ cup reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time and toss vigorously over low heat until the sauce evenly coats the pasta and reaches a glossy consistency. Use less or more cooking water to achieve desired sauciness.
- 10
Adjust and plate
If needed, add 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil for shine and extra 25–50 g grated Parmesan for creaminess. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- 11
Garnish and serve
Divide pasta among plates or bowls. Top with extra grated Parmesan (optional) and fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while hot.