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Casarecce with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

17/11/2023

Casarecce with cherry tomatoes and basil is a simple and fragrant dish, perfect for a light but tasty dinner. Here’s how to prepare them:

Ingredients

  • 320 g casarecce
  • 500 g cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • A bunch of fresh basil
  • Grated Pecorino Romano (optional)

Preparation

  1. Start by bringing a pot of salted water to boil for the pasta. When the water boils, cook the casarecce following the package instructions to achieve an al dente consistency.

  2. Meanwhile, wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half or into quarters, according to your preference.

  3. In a large pan, heat a generous swirl of extra virgin olive oil and add the whole garlic cloves. Let them brown for a few minutes to flavor the oil, then remove them.

  4. Add the cut tomatoes to the pan and cook over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, until they have slightly softened and released their juices.

  5. Drain the casarecce al dente and transfer them to the pan with the tomatoes. Toss everything together for a few minutes by jumping the pasta on high heat, so that it absorbs the flavors of the sauce.

  6. Adjust with salt and pepper and turn off the heat. Add plenty of hand-torn fresh basil and mix well.

  7. Serve the casarecce hot, with a sprinkling of grated Pecorino Romano on top if you want to add a bolder touch to the dish.

Curiosity

Casarecce is a type of pasta originating from Sicily, characterized by a rolled shape on itself that perfectly collects sauces. The pairing with cherry tomatoes and basil is typical of Mediterranean cuisine: simple, fresh, and always appreciated.

Casarecce with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil