Trottole Pasta with Tomato and Basil
There's a simple joy in savoring artesian trottole pasta, especially when it's paired with a perfectly crafted tomato sauce. The secret? Uncompromising quality. This isn't a dish to cut corners on; the ingredients elevate it to something truly special.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Garlic press (optional)
- Grater
Ingredients
- 1 1 pound Trottole Pasta Look for bronze-die cut for better texture
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Extra virgin olive oil for best flavor
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1/2 medium Onion Diced
- 28 ounce Crushed Tomatoes Canned, good quality
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Chopped plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated plus extra for serving
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Optional for a little heat
- Salt To taste
- Black Pepper To taste Freshly ground
- 1/4 cup Vegetable Broth Add for extra moisture to the sauce if it’s too thick.
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trottole pasta and cook according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
- Prep the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté diced onion for about 5 minutes until soft, then add chopped garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Mix in the Cream: Add the heavy cream (or half-and-half) to the pot and cook for 5 more minutes. Stir from time to time until the sauce is warm.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: After you cook the trottole pasta, drain the water and put the pasta in the skillet with the tomato sauce. Mix it well so the pasta is covered with the sauce. If the sauce is thick and hard to mix, you can add a little vegetable broth to make it easier to stir.
- Add Basil and Parmesan: Stir in the chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Serve the dish right away. You can add some extra basil and Parmesan cheese on top as a garnish.
