Pasta Recipe
Dig into pasta and/or pizza while you relax on the walk-in-only patio.
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Ingredients
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Pasta and sauce
Finishing & garnish
Method
Pasta and sauce
Boil pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon coarse salt. Add the dried pasta and cook according to package instructions until just shy of al dente (usually 1–2 minutes less than package time). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Start the sauce
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet or wide saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and a pinch of salt and sauté until translucent, about 5–6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, for 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Build flavor
Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste and cook 1 minute to deepen its flavor. Add the canned crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup stock, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon sugar (if using), 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine.
Simmer
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and the flavors have blended. Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper or sugar) as needed. If the sauce becomes too thick, add up to 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to reach a slightly loose but saucy consistency.
Finishing & garnish
Combine pasta and sauce
Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the simmered sauce over low heat. Add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and 1/4–1/2 cup reserved pasta water as needed to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly. Toss vigorously with tongs or two forks for 1–2 minutes so the starches emulsify the sauce and create a glossy finish.
Add cheese and herbs
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan and torn fresh basil (about 1/4 cup). Toss until the cheese melts into the sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add up to another 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Adjust seasoning with extra salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.