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Tasty Rigatoni

17/11/2023

I can suggest a recipe to prepare tasty rigatoni that will surprise your taste buds with a touch of originality and flavor.

Ingredients

  • 320 g of rigatoni
  • 250 g of cherry tomatoes
  • 200 g of buffalo mozzarella (or regular mozzarella if preferred)
  • 100 g of smoked pancetta in cubes
  • 80 g of pitted black olives
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Chili pepper (optional)
  • Grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese (optional)

Preparation

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the instructions on the package, trying to keep them al dente.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large frying pan, lightly fry the garlic cloves in extra virgin olive oil. If you like a spicy touch, you can also add a piece of chili pepper.
  3. Add the diced pancetta and let it brown until it becomes crispy.
  4. Remove the garlic and add the cherry tomatoes, cut in half, to the pan. Salt them slightly and let them cook for about 5 minutes.
  5. Incorporate the black olives cut into rounds and cook for another 2 minutes.
  6. Once cooked, drain the rigatoni and add them to the pan with the sauce. Mix well to flavor the pasta.
  7. Dice the mozzarella and add it at the end, off the heat, to allow it to slightly melt with the heat of the rigatoni.
  8. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, and if you wish, sprinkle with grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese.
  9. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

Trivia

This recipe is a great balance between simple yet rich flavors. The combination of sweet tomato sauce, the smoky notes of the pancetta, and the freshness of the mozzarella create a delightful contrast that makes the dish satisfying and rewarding. The brief cooking of the mozzarella allows you to enjoy its stringy softness without it becoming too undone in the dish.

It is a very versatile dish and you can also customize it by adding, for example, sautéed zucchini, artichokes, or maybe mushrooms, depending on what you prefer or have available.