Tom Cat Recipe
Make Tom Cat Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Sauce
Method
Pasta
Boil pasta
In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon salt. Add the cat-ear pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–9 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
Drain and set aside
Drain the pasta and set aside until ready to combine with the sauce.
Sauce
Sauté aromatics
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add 0.5 cup finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
Add garlic
Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
Tomatoes and flavorings
Stir in 3 cups crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, and 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
Season and finish sauce
Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 0.5 teaspoon black pepper. Stir in 0.25 cup chopped fresh basil.
Finish and serving
Combine pasta and sauce
Add the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
Add finishing touch
Stir in 0.5 cup grated parmesan. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
Serve
Divide among bowls and top with extra basil and parmesan if desired. Serve hot.