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 the Water
In a large pot, bring 4-6 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water to season it.
- 2
Cook the Orecchiette
Add 2 cups of orecchiette pasta to the boiling water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook according to package instructions, usually 9-12 minutes, until al dente.
- 3
Drain the Pasta
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest of the pasta in a colander. Set aside.
Preparing the Sauce
- 4
Heat the Olive Oil
In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
- 5
Sauté Garlic and Pepper Flakes
Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- 6
Add Cherry Tomatoes
Stir in 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they soften and begin to burst.
- 7
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained orecchiette to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- 8
Finish with Basil and Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of chopped fresh basil and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
