5 Ingredient Blistered Tomato Pasta
User Reviews
5
5 Ingredient Blistered Tomato Pasta
Description
The 5 Ingredient Blistered Tomato Pasta centers on orecchiette, a small, cup-shaped pasta that holds bits of the tender tomato sauce well. Butter and olive oil form the cooking fat mixture, giving the sauce a soft richness without overwhelming the fresh cherry tomatoes. As the tomatoes cook in the fat, they burst and soften, releasing natural sweetness and forming a simple sauce. Garlic slices add an aromatic depth, and red pepper flakes lend optional warmth. The sauce is adjusted to a pleasing consistency with reserved pasta water before mixing with the pasta.
The combination yields a gently textured sauce with small tomato pieces coating each pasta piece, making it an approachable and practical dish for quick weeknight meals. Variations can include adding protein, extra vegetables, or mozzarella balls. It serves well as a light main or a colorful side that doesn’t require complex preparation or many ingredients.
The recipe notes highlight it serves two as a meal or four as a side, offering flexibility in portioning.
Ingredients
- orecchiette pasta about 2 cups, dried
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomato
- 3 garlic sliced, cloves
- kosher salt to taste
- red pepper flakes to taste (optional, recommended!)
- 1/4 to 1/2 /4 to 1/2 water reserved pasta water
Instructions
- In a large sauce pan filled 3/4s full with water and a liberal amount of salt, bring to a boil. Add orecchiette and cook al dente according to package times.
- Meanwhile in a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil together over medium heat. Add tomatoes, stirring occasionally. As they begin to heat, they will begin to pop. You can use the back of your spoon to lightly "smash" them and let the juices create a sauce. Let cook for 2-3 minutes, add garlic slices, salt, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 7-8 minutes, adding reserved pasta water until desired consistency of the sauce is reached (I err on the 1/4 cup side generally). Let sauce cook for an additional 1-2 minutes and add al dente pasta. Toss together, garnish with basil or parmesan cheese as desired.
Notes
- Customize by adding your choice of protein, extra vegetables, or mini mozzarella balls for added flavor and texture.
- Serves two as a full meal or four as a side dish alongside a main course.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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